Decriminalising care leavers

Children in care are still significantly more likely to enter the criminal justice system than their peers. But when we look at their experiences, are we focusing too heavily on the behaviour of the child and not enough on the system surrounding them? In this episode, I consider the Government's new youth justice white paper alongside the Joint Committee on Human Rights report and what both mean for safeguarding professionals and independent reviewers.   In this episode I explore: - Why children in care remain disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, including how behaviour that might be managed within a family home can become criminalised within a care setting. - The risk of the "cliff edge" at 18, when care leavers can lose support at the very point they remain vulnerable to homelessness, exploitation and involvement with the criminal justice system. - Why over-criminalisation begins long before the police become involved, with placement instability, disrupted education, lost relationships and the absence of trusted adults potentially forming part of the wider picture. - What this means for **independent review practice** – and why our analysis needs to move beyond asking why a young person offended to examine how the systems around them understood and responded to their needs.   Are you fired up to generate implementable learning in reviews? An important opportunity is about to arise and I don't want you to miss it. Join me for the FREE online 5 day training '[How To Leverage Your Skills As A Blue Light Professional To Establish A Successful Career In Independent Reviews](https://go.donnaohdedar.com/5-day-training "https://go.donnaohdedar.com/5-day-training")' taking place from 14th - 18th September 2026.  Inside the 5 day training you will learn: ⭐ how to find work that is flexible and meaningful post retirement or as your next career move ⭐ the essential skills and knowledge from your current role that are transferable to independent review work  ⭐ understanding the framework of independent reviews: what you need to know to get started ⭐ key strategies for building credibility and finding your first independent review opportunities ⭐ why SILP is the most engaging, proportionate method for independent reviews and so much more. All you need is an hour a day to get involved. You will receive a task to complete each day which will take 15 minutes max & an hour each evening online with me to learn more, to ask questions & receive feedback. Recordings will be available for any sessions you miss. It is an unprecedented opportunity to spend a whole 5 days with me as I support you on your journey to understanding this impactful career path. To join me click [here](https://go.donnaohdedar.com/5-day-training "https://go.donnaohdedar.com/5-day-training").  About Donna: Donna has 16 years public sector experience, including her last role as Head of Law for a leading metropolitan authority. Now a safeguarding adviser & trainer, Donna is involved in Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Safeguarding Adult Reviews and Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews. She is also an accredited SILP Reviewer and Mentor. Donna offers 'SILP School' her university accredited training course, Momentum her space for reviewers & a free online network for leaders in review practice.   Linkedin: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/ "https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ohdedar-review-consulting-ltd/") Join my free Facebook group Blue Light Professionals [here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/199283641172120 "https://www.facebook.com/groups/199283641172120") Engagement + proportionality + strengths = SILP