ABSTRACT
This chapter will explore the participant’s perceptions of the challenges posed by the criminalisation of children and young people in residential and foster care. It will consider the factors that were felt to contribute to criminalisation, beginning with an account of the issues presented by residential care placements. These include a number of systemic deficiencies, exemplified by the disquiet expressed regarding the dominant role of for-profit providers and subsequent ‘marketisation’ of care. It will highlight concerns raised about the capability of under-confident and poorly paid staff, along with the detrimental impact of placement movement, at times to ‘out of area’ locations. The dilemmas faced by foster carers will be brought into sharp focus, confirming that they are not immune from the pressure to criminalise young people. The role of the police is also considered, providing an insight into the defensive, risk-averse practice that can at times dominate decision-making processes. The chapter will also consider the needs of the children and young people who are criminalised, the wider response of the youth justice system and the implications of criminalisation for care-experienced children and young people.
