Cutting youth crime, changing young lives
The youth justice system reform and delivery plan
Documents
Cutting youth crime. Changing young lives.
Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6516-2, CP 1585
PDF, 1.41 MB, 94 pages
Equalities Statement
PDF, 200 KB, 10 pages
Cutting youth crime. Changing young lives. (Welsh language - Cymraeg)
PDF, 1.22 MB, 96 pages
Details
Over the last 2 decades, the youth justice system in England and Wales has delivered significant progress, with fewer children entering the system and fewer in custody. However, the children who now come into contact with the system often present with more complex needs, and existing arrangements have not kept pace.
Today (18 May 2026), the government has published the Youth Justice White Paper, setting out a comprehensive programme of reform to modernise the system. It establishes a clear direction toward earlier intervention, improving consistency and ensuring custody is used only where necessary.
Together, these changes mark a decisive shift towards a more preventative, joined-up and evidence-led system, better equipped to protect the public and improve outcomes for children, victims and communities.
A Welsh translation of the Youth Justice White Paper will be available in June or July 2026.
From: Ministry of Justice