Youth Justice Board welcomes proposals for child criminal record reform

The Youth Justice Board (YJB) has welcomed the Ministry of Justice’s consultation on reforming child criminal records, which proposes removing the requirement for children to disclose past convictions to employers and education providers. The YJB has long argued that children, who are still developing, should not be permanently defined by early mistakes that limit future opportunities. Research cited by the YJB indicates that disclosing childhood criminal records can hinder rehabilitation by restricting access to education and employment, which are critical for turning lives around.

The YJB emphasises that children are not ‘little adults’ and that many who encounter the justice system later make positive changes. It argues that stigmatising children by highlighting past offences can increase the risk of reoffending and undermine their ability to envision a better future. The board stresses that a fairer approach is necessary to support rehabilitation and reduce long-term harm to individuals and society.

While acknowledging the role of criminal record checks in public protection, the YJB insists that children who have reformed must be given a genuine chance to move forward. The proposed changes aim to balance the need for safeguarding with the opportunity for children to rebuild their lives without the burden of past mistakes following them indefinitely.

The YJB’s support for the reforms reflects its commitment to evidence-based justice policies that prioritise rehabilitation over punishment. The consultation represents a step toward aligning the justice system with the developmental needs of children, ensuring that early interventions do not become lifelong barriers.