The police and criminal justice system

The role of the police in the corporate family

Research into outcomes tells us that children and young people who are looked after are more likely to be involved in offending or anti-social behaviour. For a small minority, this may be why they have become looked after. Young people’s life circumstances are likely to be significant contributors to the reasons for their offending behaviour and it is therefore important that police officers are aware of those circumstances when considering how to address the behaviour, especially when a young person has been detained within a police station.

Promoting inclusion

The police are also likely to be involved in prevention and diversionary activity in local communities where they will have an opportunity to promote the inclusion of looked after children and young people, to build positive relationships and to provide good role models.

Child protection

The majority of looked after children and young people are looked after for care and protection reasons. Child protection is a key priority for the police. Operational officers are alive to signs of abuse and neglect with a crucial role to play in identifying children at risk. Looked after children are also more likely to become young runaways: the police have a clear role in locating them, and helping to find out the reasons why they run away.

The police are also likely to encounter children who are affected by the actions of adults who offend, are involved in anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse, or who engage in substance misuse. Minimising the impact of such actions is a shared priority for all agencies across the corporate family.

Within the wider corporate family, the police will build on the work which has already been achieved to promote a more holistic approach to dealing with children and young people, a better understanding of the implications of referral to the Children’s Reporter and building safe, inclusive communities.

The importance of working together

Children who are looked after at home are less likely to be known to the police as looked after. However, their circumstances make them particularly vulnerable. It is important therefore for relevant and appropriate information to be shared to allow the police to have a full picture of the circumstances affecting the child and their home environment.

When young people do get involved in antisocial behaviour and offending it is reasonable to expect that parents (including corporate parents), families and agencies work together quickly and effectively to address this behaviour and the underlying issues that may be impacting on the way a child or young person behaves.

Children and young people who are involved in offending or who display problematic behaviour are likely to be in greater need of help to change their behaviour. Many children and young people who are looked after are unlikely to be able to rely on support from their parents to help them to address their behaviour, and indeed their families may be part of the problem. Some children and young people with a poor experience of family life may be attracted to gangs as this can provide replacement attachments; a feeling of belonging and acceptance.