Child offenders may see criminal records wiped to stop them 'carrying mistakes forever'

Child offenders may see criminal records wiped to stop them 'carrying mistakes forever' Children who commit crimes and later turn their lives around may see their criminal records wiped to stop them 'carrying their mistakes forever' under plans to reform youth justice Children who commit crimes and later turn their lives around may see their criminal records wiped to stop them "carrying their mistakes forever". Currently someone convicted of robbery at 16, but who never went on to offend again, could still find their criminal record holding them back from certain jobs years later. Ministers today said they will consider reforming the childhood criminal records system, including ending the lifelong obligation for some convictions to be disclosed. The plans will also look at whether to remove the need to disclose out-of-court resolutions and reduce or remove disclosure of convictions that resulted in a fine. Any reforms would not apply to those with convictions for serious violent offences, such as violent and sexual crimes, the Ministry of Justice said. Youth Justice minister Jake Richards said young people who turn their lives around should not see their job or education opportunities hampered. He said: "Children who commit crimes must face the consequences. But those who turn their lives around shouldn't be condemned to carry their mistakes forever. "Too often, a childhood criminal record can close doors to jobs, education and the chance to build a better future. I want to give people a fair chance to move on from their past, while ensuring the public remains protected from those who pose a risk." A consultation on the plans was launched on Thursday. Mr Richards convened a roundtable with leading businesses, including KPMG, Timpson and Greene King, to hear firsthand how childhood criminal records can create barriers to employment. It comes ahead of Alan Milburn's landmark review into the record number of young people not in education, employment or training, which is due to be published next week. Last year, Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza called for a more layered approach to children who were involved in the Southport riots. Some 147 children were arrested for their involvement in the riots by September 4, 2024, she found. Dame Rachel did not excuse criminal behaviour but said the riots resulted in “unusually severe charges and sentences, often overlooking children’s potential for rehabilitation”. She said the response from authorities must address the “underlying causes” of a child’s involvement, such as poverty, a lack of youth activities and limited employment opportunities. She added that many young people often stumbled upon the disorder on their walks home and in some cases were “encouraged” by adults to throw things at police. Widespread violence and disorder erupted across the country in July 2024 after false claims spread online about the identity of the Southport killer. Axel Rudakubana was handed a 52-year sentence last week for the triple killing as well as the attempted murder of eight other children and two adults at a Taylor-Swift dance class. Satvir Kaur, Safeguarding Minister, said: "While it is important that children who make mistakes and learn from them can rebuild their lives and their future, protecting and safeguarding our communities will always be at the heart of our decision-making. This is particularly important when it comes to protecting children and those who are most vulnerable."