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Young people
Latest reports on young people
Life inside 2010. A unique insight into the day to day experiences of 15-17 year old males in prison
This is the first policy report produced as part of the Howard League’s exciting U R Boss project, combining our unique legal work with young people in custody and a national participation programme. This report was developed in conjunction with young people currently in custody and released into the community.
31pp, price £10, ISBN 978-1-905994-23-6 Order here
Young, Adult and No Support: The entitlements of young adults to care in the community
Commissioned by the Barrow Cadbury Trust as part of the Transition to adulthood (T2A) Alliance this report was produced by the Howard League's young adult legal team based on the experience and evidence from their casework. It is intended to be a guide for practitioners who work with vulnerable young adults. (2010)
52pp, £15.00, ISBN 978-1-905994-22-9 Order here
Analysis of the Inspectorate of Prisons Reports on Young Offender Institutions holding children in custody.
As part of the Growing up Shut up campaign on children in the penal system, the audit, carried out by our legal team analyses all recent reports into young offenders institutions by the Inspectorate of Prisons. (2009)
Jersey review. A review of the Jersey youth justice system.
An independent report on the Jersey youth justice system with over 20 recommendations, including the immediate ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). (2008)
60 pp, £10, ISBN 978-1-905994-12-0
Buy as part of a book set and save £££
Punishing Children. A Survey of criminal responsibility and approaches across Europe.
This report examines and compares different youth justice systems across Europe. It contrasts the welfare based approach across Europe with the UK where punishment is the centre of the response to children in trouble with the law.
19pp, ISBN 978-1-905994-10-6, 2008
PDF version is free to download
Hard copies can be purchased at £5 plus p&p.
Buy as part of a book set and save £££
Why carry a weapon? A study of knife crime amongst 15-17 year old males in London. By Nicola Marfleet
This book draws upon the views of young people to assess the lack of success in addressing knife crime and identifies strategies for quelling the current trends in knife crime.
117 pp, £12.95, ISBN 978-1-905994-07-6 (2008)
Buy as part of a book set and save £££
Violence Against Children in Conflict with the Law
A Study on Indicators and Data Collection in Belgium, England and Wales, France and the Netherlands. The study was produced by the Howard League for Penal Reform and Defence for Children International. (2008) ISBN: 978-90-74270-24-3
Parole 4 Kids: A Review of the Parole Process for Children in England and Wales
The law requires more exacting standards of fairness on the part of authorities dealing with children than would normally be necessary or appropriate in the case of an adult. This report sets out the reasons why special mechanisms for a child going through the parole process should be introduced.
12pp, ISBN 978-1-905994-04-5 (2007)
Click here to download a pdf version.
Children as Victims: Child-sized crimes in a child-sized world
Report documenting the findings of a survey of over 3,000 children aged 10-15 about their experience of crime, crime prevention and what they would like adults to do to support them. (2007)
20pp, £5.00, ISBN 978-1-905994-00-7 Click here to order
Buy as part of a book set and save £££
Children in Prison An independent submission to United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. (2007)
12pp, £5.00, ISBN 978-0-903683-98-2 Click here to order
The Carlile Inquiry An independent inquiry by Lord Carlile of Berriew QC into physical restraint, solitary confinement and forcible strip searching of children in prisons, secure training centres and local authority secure children's homes. (2006)
107pp, £15.00, ISBN 090368383-0 Click here to order
When big brother goes inside: The experiences of younger siblings of young men in prison.
This groundbreaking research uses the testimony of children to identify their needs, fears and experiences, as well as making recommendations for meeting those needs. It is essential reading fro those working in the criminal justice system, in the education and youth work sectors. (2006)
24pp, £10, ISBN 978-0-903683-95-1 Click here to order
Chaos, neglect and abuse: The duties of local authorities to provide children with suitable accommodation and support services.
The report explains the legal framework and national standards that should be applied when a child leaves penal custody. It contains case histories, practical advice, and summaries of the law and local authority circulars. (2006)
31pp, £15, ISBN 978-0-903683-94-4 Click here to order
Out for Good: Meeting the resettlement needs of young men
At the heart of this major research are the voices of the 86 young men, 18-21 year old, who were interviewed over the course of two years, in and out of the prison environment. (2006)
104pp, £15, ISBN 090368388-1 Click here to order
Children in custody: promoting the legal and human rights of children
This report is a handbook for all practitioners working with children in the penal system. It offers practical guidance and detailed case histories suggesting good practice, referring to relevant legislation and international conventions.
24pp, £10, ISBN 090368384-9 Purchase your copy
Once upon a time in the west: Social deprivation and rural youth crime. This report from the Howard League for Penal Reform examines the experiences of young people growing up in rural communities. It is essential reading for all those working with young people in the criminal justice system, youth workers, as well as those working in local government. This report provides a voice to young people living in rural communities. It also provides ideas for improving the opportunities and reducing the social exclusion of these young people. (2005)
40pp, £10.00, ISBN 9780903683821 Click here to order
Advice, understanding and underwear: working with girls in prison. This report from the Howard League for Penal Reform is essential reading for anyone working with girls and young women in the criminal justice or social care systems. It looks at current provision for girls and provides a useful insight into the impact of imprisonment on the lives of young women. (2004)
24pp, £10.00, ISBN 090368381 4 Click here to order
Children in prison
this series of five reports are essential reading for youth offending teams, anyone working with young people in residential or custodial care, and everyone interested in children's rights. £5 each.
Children in prison: provision and practice at Ashfield. Ashfield is the only privately run prison for juveniles. This report looks at conditions for young people at the jail and indicates that children's; safety is jeopardised by low staff levels, a lack of experience among staff and high rates of staff turnover. (2002)
20pp, £5.00, ISBN: 090368362-8 Click here to order
Children in prison: provision and practice at Hollesley Bay. Hollesley Bay is one of the most geographically isolated prisons in the UK. Many children held there are far from home and have little contact with their families. This report examines conditions at the prison and issues around family contact and resettlement after release. (2002)
20pp, £5.00, ISBN: 090368363-6 Click here to order
Children in prison: provision and practice at Lancaster Farm focuses on the issue of involving young people in decision making and the cultural barriers to achieving this in prison. It looks at Lancaster Farms, a young offender institution widely regarded as one of the better prisons for young people, where strong emphasis is placed on building good relationships between staff and children. It argues that involving children and listening to what they have to say is not simply desirable but essential to creating a safe and nurturing environment. (2001)
20pp, £5.00, ISBN: 0903683054-7 Click here to order
Children in prison: provision and practice at Castington. This is the second in the series of reports on juvenile prisons. This report examines the regime at Castington young offender institution focusing on problems of violence and bullying. It argues that safety must be the first priority. An important resource for policymakers and practitioners working in the youth justice field and anybody working with children. (2001)
20pp, £5.00, ISBN: 090368358-X Click here to order
Children in prison: barred rights. This report is the Howard League's submission to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. It relies upon extensive extensive independent research by the Howard League to detail the ways in which conditions for children in prison breach the standards laid out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. (2002)
20pp, £5.00, ISBN: 090368364-4 Click here to order
Other young people reports
Missing the grade: education for children in prison reveals that the education of children under school leaving age in prison is shamefully neglected, despite the fact that educational achievement is a crucial factor in successful rehabilitation. It highlights good practice and makes recommendations for change. Essential reading for anyone working with children likely to be caught up in the criminal justice process. (2001)
55pp, £10, ISBN 090368657-1 Click here to order
Sentenced to fail - out of sight, out of mind - compounding the problems of children in prison. A unique investigation into the failings of the through and after-care service provided to child prisoners. (1998)
72pp, £10, ISBN 090368334-2 Click here to order
The Howard League Troubleshooter Project : lessons for policy and practice on 15 year olds in prison. This final report on the ground breaking project details case studies and in depth statistical analysis to provide a unique insight into the plight of young people in the criminal justice system. Report. (1996)
48pp, £10.00, ISBN 090368331-8 Click here to order
Troubleshooter: a project to rescue 15 year olds from prison Lessons from the project's first year reinforce the message that solutions for troubled and troublesome children do not lie in simplistic short term measures but in individually designed community based packages. Case studies are used to show where the current system breaks down and to highlight good practice. Report. (1996)
75pp, £10.00, ISBN 090368326-1 Click here to order
Child offenders: UK and international practice. Essays on the age of criminal responsibility, international comparisons and juveniles in the USA. Contributions include Thomas Hammarberg, Andrew Nicholl QC Roger Graef and Mary Hartnoll CBE. (1995)
61pp, £5.00, ISBN 090368327-X Click here to order
Banged up, beaten up, cutting up. The report of the Howard League Commission of Inquiry into Violence in Penal Institutions for Teenagers under 18. Comments by young people, staff and management provide an in depth view of daily violence and self-harm in prison and an argument against prison for teenagers. (1995)
52pp, £10.00, ISBN 090368325-3 Click here to order
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