Reserch and Practice in Risk Assessment and Risk Management of Children and Young People Engaging in Offending Behaviours

A significant proportion of crime in Britain is committed by young people. Official figures from England and Wales suggest that at least one fifth of those cautioned or convicted in any one year are aged between 10 and 17 years, and over a third (37%) are aged under 21 years (Nicholas et al, 2005). Using self-report survey data, Budd, Weir, Wilson and Owen (2005) found that young people aged 10 to 17 years were responsible for over one third (35%) of incidents measured, and one third of males and one fifth of females aged between 10 and 25 years reported having committed at least one offence in the past year. A recent report, which drew on several official data sources, including recorded crime statistics, the Scottish Crime Survey, the Scottish Children’s Reporters Association (SCRA), and the courts, estimated that 43% of all crime in Scotland is attributable to young people, predominantly males, aged under 21 years (DTZ Pieda Consulting, 2005).