Young offenders

Trial and error: Children and young people in trouble with the law, a guide for charities and funders

Matthew van Poortvliet, Iona Joy, and Camilla Nevill

February 2010, 88 pages

Young offenders don’t often generate much sympathy. With stories in the media everyday of teenage stabbings and gang warfare, many members of the public see youth offending as spiralling out of control.

But in reality it is only a small number of young people who are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime. What many young people need, instead of custody, are opportunities and support to get back on the straight and narrow.

NPC’s report, Trial and error, explores the issue of youth offending and highlights some of the innovative and promising ways that charities are helping young people to stay out of trouble. The report, aimed at charities and funders, examines strengths and weaknesses within the youth justice sector, outlines the role government plays, and highlights areas where investment could create greatest impact.

• Read Breaking the cycle, NPC's report on adult prisoners and ex-offenders.
• Read posts on NPC's blog about young offenders, an SROI of the charity Dance United, and gaps in funding on youth crime.