Over-representation of minority ethnic young people in the youth justice system
Download (PDF 7.94 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Dudley was concerned about the worrying over-representation of minority ethnic young boys in the Youth Justice System (YJS) in Dudley. They were asked by the Dudley Youth Justice Service Management Board to explore the issue further. One Love Community Music and Arts was enlisted to discover the opinions of the young people involved in the Youth Justice System and those of the professionals who work with them. Although ethnic minorities make up 17.6% of the local population, they make up 28.4% of young people in the Youth Justice System.
They spoke to 11 young men who were in the Youth Justice System and three professionals. The report looks at:
- Access to mental health services, including CAMHS and school support services
- Coping mechanisms
- Racism
- Education
- Support workers
- Financial pressures
- Access to other services
- Home life and role models
The report identifies a number of actions that can help, including education, training, mentoring, working together and access to activities.