Guidance
Child knife possession offences
Government guidance issued to support police, Youth Justice Services and other agencies in dealing with children caught in possession of a knife.
Applies to England and Wales
Documents
Details
Government issued guidance produced jointly by the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice for police, Youth Justice Services and wider partners.
The guidance outlines the government’s expectations in responding to child knife possession offences. It ensures that the police notify the Youth Justice Service of every knife possession offence and that the child receives a tailored, evidence-based mandatory plan to prevent reoffending.
Updates to this page
Published 12 February 2026
Last updated 12 February 2026
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Welsh translation added.
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First published.