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

Résumé détaillé

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.

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