Learning Pathway
YOUTH Justice
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Crime, Police & Charge
Youth Court, Sentencing & Custody
Legal Rights
Rights Every Young Person Has
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Automatic right to a free solicitor (police must offer it every time)
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Right to an Appropriate Adult in every interview
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Right to be treated fairly no matter your race, gender, disability, or background
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Right to an interpreter or intermediary if you need one
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Right to Section 45 (your name and details kept private by the court in most cases)
Your name & identity are strongly protected
Under Section 45 (Youth Justice Act) the media can never publish your name, photo, or school if you are under 18 and charged — this is automatic and only lifted in very rare serious cases.
Under Section 39 (1933 Act) Children and Young Persons Act, the court almost always adds an extra order protecting any young person involved (victims, witnesses, siblings) from being identified. Together these keep nearly all under-18s completely private.
→ Official guidance: gov.uk/guidance/reporting-restrictions-children-proceedings
Modern Slavery / Criminal Exploitation (County Lines) –if you were forced or tricked into crime (county lines, cuckooing, drug running)
This is called modern slavery / criminal exploitation. It is not your fault. The law recognises you as a victim, not just an offender. You have the right to a special
Modern Slavery Act defence (Section 45 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015). If it is accepted, you will not be convicted. Police, your solicitor, and the Youth Offending Team must look for signs of exploitation and get you help instead of punishment.
→ More help: gov.uk/modern-slavery-victims
Safeguarding
Safeguarding should be triggered when a child or young person is at risk of harm, exploitation, neglect, or when their welfare is not being properly protected during police or court processes.
This may apply if a child:
→ Has learning difficulties, mental health needs, or communication barriers
→ Is suspected to be exploited (including criminal or sexual exploitation)
→ Does not have a safe adult supporting them
→ Is experiencing abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
→ Is repeatedly coming into contact with the police
→ Appears fearful, withdrawn, or under pressure from others
→ Is at risk of self-harm or emotional collapse following arrest
Safeguarding may involve:
→ Social services
→ Youth offending services
→ School safeguarding leads
→ Health and mental health teams
→ Specialist exploitation or trauma services
If safeguarding is needed, the child’s welfare must come before punishment. The aim is protection, support, and preventing further harm — not simply processing the child through the justice system.
Safeguarding is not about blaming families — it exists to protect children when systems, adults, or circumstances place them at risk.
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