On 15 July 2025, the Ministry of Justice published the Youth Justice Charter, a document that brings together the rights and entitlements of children aged 10 to 17 who come into contact with the youth justice system. The Charter sets out existing standards (including legal requirements as well as best practices) so children can understand what to expect and what support they are entitled to throughout their journey in the system.
Details
The Charter explains what children should expect from the professionals and organisations they may encounter, including police officers, lawyers, youth justice workers, judges, and custody staff. It is structured around five key stages covering:
- What happens if a child is stopped by the police (pages 8 – 19).
- What happens if a child goes to court (pages 20 – 29).
- How the Youth Justice Service can help a child in the community (pages 30 – 37).
- What happens while a child is in youth custody (pages 38 – 55).
- What happens after a child leaves youth custody (pages 56 – 66).
The Charter makes clear that every child in the system has the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Be treated fairly, regardless of race, sex, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or language
- Receive legal support from professionals who put their best interests first
- Receive clear information about what is happening and what help is available
- Be listened to and have their views taken seriously
- Be healthy and kept safe from harm
- Have opportunities to learn, develop and make positive choices for the future
Every agency involved in the youth justice system has committed to upholding these standards. If a child feels these standards have not been met, the Charter sets out different ways children can raise complaints, including by speaking to their case manager or contacting their local authority complaints department.
Commentary
The Youth Justice Charter is a tool created to help children navigate a complex and intimidating system. While it does not introduce new protections, it brings together existing standards in one place to make the system easier to navigate and reinforces a child’s right to clear, respectful and rights-based treatment by all professionals involved in the youth justice system.