Learning Pathway
United Youth Voice™
Clear, accessible guidance for young people and families navigating the youth justice system.
Most children and families have no idea what happens when a young person is arrested, questioned, charged, or taken to youth court.
The system can feel confusing, frightening, inconsistent, and overwhelming.
This pathway explains every stage of the youth justice journey — in simple language — and links to practical resources that can help you stay informed and protected.
Stage 1 — When a Young Person Is Arrested
What happens:
Age of Criminal Responsibility in the UK. Police can arrest a young person aged 10–17 if they suspect involvement in a crime.
What you can expect:
→ They must be taken to a police station
→ They must be kept in a separate area from adults
→ The parent or carer must be contacted
→ An Appropriate Adult must be provided
→ The child has the right to free legal advice
Your rights:
→ Free solicitor
→ An Appropriate Adult present for interview
→ Medical and welfare checks
→ No questioning until safeguards are in place
Stage 2 — Police Interviews & Decisions
What happens next:
No interview can start until your solicitor and Appropriate Adult are with you
Possible outcomes:
→ No further action
→ Youth caution / conditional caution
→ Community resolution (informal apology or repair)
→ Released under investigation or on bail
→ Charged and sent to court→ No further action
What you can expect:
→ Updates from police
→ Safeguarding assessments
→ Risk checks
Stage 3 — Youth Cautions & Community Resolutions
For low-level offences, police may avoid court.
Options include:
→ Community resolution
→ Youth caution
→ Youth conditional caution
Important:
These still count as part of a criminal record, but are usually spent quickly.
Stage 4 — Youth Court
If the case goes to court:
Youth Court is different from adult court:
→ No public gallery
→ More privacy
→ Everyone wears normal clothes
→ Specially trained magistrates
→ Focus is on helping you, not just punishing
What happens in Youth Court:
→ The case is read out
→ Young person enters a plea
→ Evidence is considered
→ Decision is made
Rights at this stage:
→ Legal representation
→ Quiet/private room if overwhelmed
→ Appropriate Adult present
→ Special measures where needed
You will always have:
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A free lawyer
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An Appropriate Adult with you
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Special measures (screens, video link, breaks) if you need them
Stage 5 — Sentencing (Young People)
Sentences for young people focus on rehabilitation, not punishment.
Possible outcomes:
→ Referral Order
→ Youth Rehabilitation Order
→ Reparation
→ Curfew
→ Fines (parents may be responsible)
→ Custody (YOI or secure home) — usually only for serious or repeated offences
What to expect:
→ Youth Offending Team (YOT) involvement
→ Plans aimed at behaviour change
→ Support with education, training, mental health, & risk
→ Regular reviews and check-ins
Stage 6 — Youth Custody (YOI / Secure Children’s Home)
If a child receives custody:
What happens next:
→ They are taken to a Youth Offender Institution (15–17) or Secure Children’s Home (under 15)
→ An induction and welfare check is carried out
→ Education continues
→ Family contact is arranged
→Regular phone calls and visits with family
Important considerations:
→ Children are entitled to education
→ Children must be kept separate from adult prisoners
→ Children must have regular welfare checks
→ Visits should be supported
Stage 7 — After Release
Most young people receive support through:
→ The Youth Offending Team
→ Social services (if needed)
→ Education or training support
→ Licence conditions and supervision
Support includes:
→ Mental health help
→ Education reintegration
→ Safety planning
→ Reducing exploitation risks
→ Managing peer groups
→ Building structure and routine
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)
Legal Rights
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
More Help & Real Stories→ Knife crime & the law
Blogs
→ County lines & arrest
→ What life is really like in a YOI
Handbooks
→Knife crime handbook
Report
→Modern Slavery Defence - Children in Custody
Safeguarding
When Safeguarding Should Step In
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.