Youth justice has a new champion in “Child First,” a proactive framework that emphasises the support and development of young people rather than simply focusing on punitive measures. Championed by the Youth Justice Board (YJB), Child First is based on over 30 years of research. YJB Board member Louise Shorter recently discussed this approach with Professor Neal Hazel, exploring its benefits for both youth and community safety across the UK.
What is Child First?
The Child First approach represents a transformative way to engage with young people within the justice system. The framework focuses on four main tenets: Recognising children’s unique needs, Building positive identities, Collaborating with young people, and Diverting them from the stigma associated with crime.
As Professor Hazel puts it,
“Child First is about achieving positive outcomes for all parties… children, victims, and communities.”
This perspective not only aims to prevent reoffending but also offers young people the tools to constructively engage with society.
Hazel explains, “The fact is that children within the criminal justice system are not simply naughty boys or girls that need a short, sharp shock. We’ve tried that time and time again, and it always has disastrous results.”
Breaking Down the Four Tenets of Child First
Each tenet within the Child First framework offers a distinct yet complementary approach to nurturing young people’s potential:
1. Recognise Children as Children
Recognising children as children might sound straightforward, but it requires a shift in mindset for youth justice professionals. Rather than viewing young offenders as threats, this tenet promotes understanding them as individuals with developing minds. Given the research showing that brain development continues until the age of 25, this approach acknowledges that young people are still evolving and highly responsive to positive intervention.
2. Build Positive Identities
Building a positive identity involves helping young people view themselves as capable of contributing to society constructively. Instead of labelling them by their past mistakes, this tenet encourages support systems that foster self-respect, healthy relationships, and opportunities for skill development.
3. Collaborate with Youth
Collaboration is central to Child First. Involving young people in decision-making processes about their future—rather than imposing solutions upon them—ensures that their perspectives are considered and valued. Engaging young people directly helps them feel invested in their goals, leading to higher success rates in rehabilitation efforts.
4. Divert from Stigma
The final tenet of Child First is to divert youth from the stigma of being in the justice system. Professor Hazel explains, “We used to talk about ‘risk of offending,’ but we now know that labelling children as potential reoffenders stops them from moving on.” Reducing this stigma helps break cycles of reoffending, giving young people a genuine chance to reform and reintegrate.
Benefits of Child First: Safer Communities, Fewer Victims
The implementation of Child First offers numerous benefits for society at large, not least of which is community safety. By focusing on rehabilitation over punishment, Child First not only aims to reduce reoffending rates but also works to minimise the creation of new victims.
As Hazel puts it, “The evidence shows that if we focus on helping all children to develop constructively, we’ll also reduce offending and make communities safer.”
In terms of measurable outcomes, a recent study shows the following statistics for Child First-aligned interventions:
Intervention Outcome |
Success Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Reduced Reoffending | 68% |
| Increased Positive Identity | 75% |
| Engagement in Education | 81% |
| Community Reintegration | 66% |
These results underline the effectiveness of an approach that prioritises engagement, respect, and development.
A New Direction for Youth Justice
Child First is not about going “soft” on youth offenders; rather, it’s a strategic shift that prioritises long-term safety and positive outcomes. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, it’s about addressing the root causes that bring young people into the justice system in the first place.
Louise Shorter aptly notes,
“Hats off to all those services and professionals across the sector for embracing Child First. There’s a wealth of resources available for those needing support.”
By continuing to support the development and application of Child First, the UK justice system can pave a safer path forward, ensuring better futures for young people and safer communities for everyone.
Sources: THX News & Youth Justice Board for England and Wales.
