Page 8 - JUSTICE Tackling Racial Injustice - Children and the Youth Justice System
P. 8

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


         The roots of racial injustice in the UK run deep. Reports, reviews, and analysis have
         offered evidence-based solutions for decades. Delays, varying degrees of adoption
         and a lack of consistent political commitment mean that racial and ethnic disparities
         remain an incontrovertible reality of our justice system generally and particularly so
         in its impact on children.


         It is commendable that, in recent years, the total number of children arrested has
         reduced, and there are fewer first-time entrants to the youth justice system. However,
         the positive developments have not been shared equally. Today, the number of Black,
         Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) children in custody remains at 52%, despite
         BAME children making up only 18% of the child population.

         This Working Party of JUSTICE was convened in October 2019 as a result of our
         deep concerns with the  disproportionate  representation of  BAME  children in the
         criminal justice system. Since then, in many respects, the problem has worsened.
         During that time, the killing of George Floyd and the protests that followed shone a
         spotlight on racial disparity not only in the United States but also in the UK. That
         spotlight does not tell us anything new but it confirms what the communities affected
         have always known which is that their legitimate concerns are not taken seriously
         enough. Racial discrimination thrives because structural disadvantage exists. While
         individuals have an important role to play, their individual contributions, to either
         perpetuating or combating discrimination, are dwarfed by the  impact of the
         institutions that make up the criminal justice system. It is the responsibility of the
         system, and not the children, to change.

         At the same time, we have seen that good practices do exist. Examples of child-
         friendly approaches and programmes are found in police force areas, Crown
         Prosecution Service guidance and courts around the country. But these need national
         coordination and commitment.









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