Children, Parents and Carers

Children, parents and carers

This page is designed to help children and their parents or carergivers navigate the youth justice system with helpful guidance, resources, and support.

Looking for advice or support?

This page is here to provide helpful information and resources for children and their caregivers navigating the youth justice system. We’ve gathered tools, guidance, and signposts to organisations that can offer further support. Whether you’re looking to understand the process, find practical advice, or connect with someone who can help, you’ll find a range of resources tailored to your needs.

For parents & carers

Information and guidance for when your child enters the youth justice system.

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For children

We are currently working in collaboration with children on this section. Details to follow.

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Guidance and support for parents & carers

If your child (or child in your care) is involved in the youth justice system, it’s completely understandable to feel uncertain or worried. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help you feel more prepared and better equipped to support them through this challenging time.

Your rights

If your child is arrested for a criminal offence and they are under the age of 18, the police must inform you of the arrest as soon as possible. You may be required to attend the police station to act as an 'appropriate adult' to ensure that your child understands their rights and entitlements, and they can talk to you privately if they wish.

As an appropriate adult, your role is to facilitate communication between the police and your child (or the child in your care); you will not be there to provide legal advice.

In the event that the police need to carry out urgent procedures before the appropriate adult arrives, they must receive authorisation from a senior officer.

Find out more information on Appropriate Adults from the National Appropriate Adult Network (NAAN).

Legal representation for your child

Once at the police station, your child can be held for up to 24 hours. Legal representation is crucial, and a solicitor can assist by preparing your child for the police interview with guidance on what to say.

If you don't already have a solicitor, you can request a duty solicitor at the police station, who can represent your child at no cost. Remember - it is your child's right.

What happens after the interview?

After the interview, police will review the evidence and any account given during questioning. They can take several actions, depending on the circumstances of the case:

No Further Action (NFA): If the police believe there is not enough evidence, or it is not in the public interest to proceed, they may decide to take no further action. In this case, your child will not face charges.
Released Under Investigation (RUI)
Caution or Conditional Caution: If your child admits to the offence, the police might issue a caution or conditional caution. This means they won't go to court, but they will have to follow certain conditions, such as attending a youth justice service programme or making reparations. These are also known as 'out-of-court disposals'
Charge and Court Proceedings: If the police believe there is enough evidence, they may charge your child with an offence. In this case, your child will be given a date to appear in court. If the case is serious, it may be referred to a Crown Court, but most young people are tried in a Youth Court. If charged, you should accompany your child through the DNA testing, fingerprinting and photographing process.

Throughout this process, you should be informed and involved. You can ask for legal advice at any point, and your child’s Youth Justice Services (YJS) worker, if assigned, can provide support and guidance on the next steps.

As a parent or carer, you play a vital role in helping your child move forward positively. Your support, encouragement and involvement can make a real difference in how your child understands what’s happened and how they begin to make changes.

You know your child best. You can help professionals understand their needs, strengths, and what support works for your family. Being involved shows your child that they’re not alone, and that you’re there to help them through the process.

Even if things feel difficult right now, your relationship with your child can be a strong foundation for change.

If your child is charged with an offence, it means the police have decided there is sufficient evidence to bring the case before the court. This can be a difficult and worrying time for both you and your child. It's important to know the steps ahead so you can provide the right support. The court process can feel overwhelming, but understanding what will happen next will help you navigate the situation with more confidence.

What happens next?

If your child is charged and a court appearance is necessary, they may be released on bail with conditions, such as staying at home or attending specific appointments. In more serious cases, your child might be kept in custody until their court hearing (remand), but this only happens if strict criteria are met.

A date will be given on when your child will need to appear in court (this is most likely to be Youth Court, but can be in Crown Court for more serious offences). Typically, this will be 7 to 10 days from the date of the charge, but it can vary depending on location.

As with the interview process, it's vital to ensure your child has legal representation in court.

Outcomes

After the court hearing, the judge or magistrates will decide on the appropriate course of action. Possible outcomes include:

Referral Order: A community sentence (typically given to first-time offenders) where your child must undertake specific activities as a form of reparation. The victim's feelings and wishes are taken into account during the process and are reflected in the requirements of the order. Your child will be required to meet with a panel during the length of the order to agree on the conditions of the order and monitor progress. The contract generally lasts from three months to a year.
Youth Rehabilitation Order (YRO): A sentence with conditions like community service, attendance at a programme, or restrictions on where your child can go. The YRO can run for a maximum of three years.
Detention and Training Order (DTO): A custodial sentence where your child spends time in either a Young Offender Institution (YOI), Secure Training Centre (STC), Secure Children's Home (SCH) or Secure School, but also receives training or education to help with rehabilitation. This order is given to children aged 12 to 17 years old and is reserved for the most serious of cases, they last from four months to two years.

For more information on the process and guidelines behind sentencing children in court, please visit the Sentencing Council's website.

Going through the youth justice process can be confusing and stressful, not just for children, but for families too. You're not expected to have all the answers, and you don’t have to face it alone.

There is support available to help you understand what’s happening, look after your own wellbeing, and get the right help for your child. This might include:

Speaking with your child’s caseworker or youth justice team
Getting advice on your rights and what to expect
Practical support around meetings, appointments or school
Emotional support for you and your family
Links to local services or support groups

Asking for support is a strength — it can help you feel more confident and better able to support your child.

Useful links for parents and carers

Citizens Advice: Children's rights in England and Wales
The Children's Society: Children's rights and advocacy
Justice for Kids Law: Legal support and advocacy for children and families
Family Lives: support and advice for parents facing challenges with their child’s behaviour or legal issues
YoungMinds: support for children’s mental health, with tips for parents and carers
Barnardo’s: help for families involved with social care, justice or at risk
GOV.UK: Information on children and the law in England and Wales
NSPCC: Children's charity providing support and resources for parents and carers
Black Minds Matter: Free, one-to-one, culturally appropriate talking therapy for Black people in the UK

Guidance and support for children

If you’ve been arrested or sentenced and are feeling worried, confused, or want to know more about what’s happening, there are people whose job is to help you.

Here’s who you might meet:

Youth Justice Worker

Youth Justice Workers are here to help you understand what’s happening and support you through it. They will listen to you, work with you and your family, and help you to make a plan for moving forward. You can get in touch with them whenever you need.

Appropriate Adult

If you’re at the police station, an Appropriate Adult will stay with you during interviews. Their job is to make sure you are treated fairly and understand what’s going on. This could be a family member, carer, social worker or someone trained to help. If you are feeling confused about questions you are being asked or need help communicating, they are here to help.

Social Worker

If you are a child in care or require extra support, your social worker can provide support during your time in the youth justice system.

Family Member or Caregiver

A parent, caregiver or trusted family member can be a really important person to support you through the youth justice process. They can come with you to meetings, help you understand what’s happening, and speak up for you if you need help. They are there to make sure you don’t have to go through it on your own.