Young people and the law

Services

  • It's illegal to buy alcohol if you're under 18 and you can be stopped, fined or arrested by the police for drinking in public

  • The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is 10 years old. Children are treated differently from adults, are dealt with by youth courts and sent to special secure centres for young people.

  • Youth offending teams work with young people that get into trouble with the law, are arrested, or taken to court, and help them stay away from crime.

  • Why children are sent to custody, what it's like, visiting, advice and support

  • Children under 10 who break the law can be given a Local Child Curfew, a Child Safety Order or can be taken into care

Guidance and regulation

News and communications

Research and statistics

Policy papers and consultations

Transparency and freedom of information releases