The Centre for Youth & Criminal Justice (CYCJ) has today published a report encouraging reflection about children and young people in Scotland’s justice system, particularly those detained in custody.

‘Children and Young People in Custody in Scotland: Looking Behind the Data’ was produced in partnership by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and CYCJ at the request of the Youth Justice Improvement Board, set up by the Scottish Government to drive forward the implementation of the Youth Justice Strategy.

Through offering insights into what we know about children and young people and what is happening within youth justice, the report seeks to provide a basis for discussions to inform improvement. In addition to research findings, it incorporates the story of ‘Danny’, whose experiences represent those of many young people in custody.

Claire Lightowler, Director of CYCJ said:

"This timely report shines a light on the experiences of children and young people in custody in Scotland, exploring their backgrounds, reasons for being in custody and experiences once leaving custody.

"It raises some important questions for youth and criminal justice policy and practice, for instance, why the remand population is so high and why have so many children and young people in custody breached bail conditions. The Youth Justice Improvement Board is using this report to ask difficult questions of ourselves to ensure that custody is only ever used for children and young people where it is the only option."