Page 20 - JUSTICE Tackling Racial Injustice - Children and the Youth Justice System

responds to children in conflict with the law, we refer to the ‘Youth Justice
System’ or ‘YJS’, as it is the term that is used in our legislation, policy and
practice. Nevertheless, the way children are referred to in the CJS is very
important to ensuring that they are recognised as - and treated as - children.
We consider that this is an area in need of broader discussion among criminal
justice actors.

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1.18 For those aged between 18 and 25, we use the term ‘young adult’. We
recognise that, although this age group is legally considered to be adult,
growing scientific evidence and research show that adolescence and brain
development continues until at least the age of 25. As such, young adults
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have distinct needs, which require distinct interventions.

31 See for example the Sentencing Council’s General Guideline: overarching principles, 1 October 2019,
which state: “young adults (typically aged 18-25) are still developing neurologically and consequently
may be less able to: evaluate the consequences of their actions; limit impulsivity; limit risk taking.”

32 See S.J. Blakemore and S. Choudhury, ‘Development of the adolescent brain: implications for
executive function and social cognition’, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47:3, 296–312,
2006.
33 See ‘Research & Reports’ T2A (Transition to Adulthood).

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