The Children’s Commissioner’s report “The Criminalisation of Children in Care” reveals a deeply concerning pattern: children in care are disproportionately drawn into the criminal justice system, often for low-level incidents that, in a family setting, would be handled without police involvement. Nearly half of care-experienced children who ever receive a caution or conviction first come into contact with the justice system after entering care, with common charges including minor assault and criminal damage. The report highlights “over-policing” in children’s homes—police are frequently called for behavior that reflects trauma, not criminal intent—and shows that children in residential placements (especially girls and Black or mixed ethnic children) face much higher risks of criminalisation. To address this, the Commissioner calls for a strengthened, statutory protocol among police, local authorities, and youth services; better diversion pathways; a more child-friendly prosecution process; increased legal aid and training; more stable, high-quality care placements; and improved data sharing to monitor and prevent harmful police involvement.
