This national protocol is aimed at:

• local authority children’s services
• local care providers (fostering services, children’s homes and other arrangements)
• police forces
• Youth Offending Teams (YOTs)
• Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
• HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS)
• local Youth Panel (Magistrates)
• local health services including mental health

The key purpose of the national protocol is to encourage and provide the framework for these agencies to co-develop local arrangements to reduce the unnecessary criminalisation of children looked after and care leavers. It highlights the importance of strong corporate parenting ethos which recognises that the care system is not just about keeping children safe but also about promoting recovery, resilience and wellbeing; supporting them to reach their full potential. In addition, that professionals working with children looked after and care leavers should understand the impact of trauma and abuse on the emotional and behavioural development children, which is used to inform their practice.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of The Child includes preventing criminalisation of children and highlights the importance of this in protecting children.  

To access the protocol in full, click here.