ABSTRACT
This paper highlights the challenges that children and young people who come from a background of adversity and trauma face when they enter the risk-driven youth justice system. The author provides real-life examples of how the impact of generational trauma led to her becoming a looked-after child and entering the criminal justice system at the tender age of 11. This paper demonstrates the lived reality for young women who enter custody, viewed as criminals rather than children who need compassion, nurture, and care. The author then demonstrates personal growth post custody and how these ‘lived experiences’ shaped life decisions to not just desist from offending but to use those experiences to better the lives of other children experiencing the care and justice system. Developing a positive sense of self through the mechanism of supporting others less fortunate than the author's current social position. Concluding with providing lived experience and professional advice for the new generation of prison officers that are now responsible for the care of prisoners.
