Keith Fraser, Chair of the YJB, says:
“We continue to send our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of the three girls who so tragically lost their lives in the attack in Southport, as well as all those who were injured or affected by the incident.
The YJB condemns the violent disorder we have been seeing this past week, and we are grateful to the police, other services who have responded with courage and selflessness to protect others. It has been so encouraging to see individuals within those towns and cities affected come together to denounce the violence and rebuild communities.
It is a sad reality that children will have been involved in the disorder and will now be facing the consequences.
During civil disorder in 2011, around a third of those appearing before the courts were children and research showed there were many complex reasons why children got involved in the disorder. Some of this was related to maturity, including being influenced by social media and peers. There were also many social factors involved, and children were more likely to be involved if they were from economically deprived circumstances, had little engagement in their communities or felt alienated from police and schools. Disproportionately, many of the children involved in 2011 had special educational needs and disabilities.
We have taken this into account while reviewing the YJB position on these most recent violent disturbances, alongside the evidence that shows what works in youth justice to create safer communities with fewer victims.
While the seriousness of the conduct of some children will mean that prosecution will be necessary, where appropriate, we support alternative ways of holding children to account that will enable them to pay back to the local community and reduce their likelihood of offending in future.”
