Serious youth violence more far-reaching than many realise

Ofsted, the CQC, HMICFRS and HMI Probation have today published a report that finds serious youth violence is more far-reaching than many adults realise, affecting children all over England and leaving a serious impact on communities.

This is not just a ‘city problem’ and, shockingly, the inspectorates found that children as young as 11 are carrying knives for their own ‘protection’. In 2023, the Youth Endowment Fund surveyed 7,500 children in England and Wales, finding that 1 in 4 either had been a victim of violence or had perpetrated violence themselves. Almost half (47%) had witnessed violence in the last 12 months and 60% had seen ‘real world’ violent acts on social media.

Today’s report sets out the findings from 6 joint targeted area inspections focused on how local partnerships of children’s social care, health services, schools, the police and youth justice services work together to respond to serious youth violence. Inspectors tracked the experiences of hundreds of children across England and spoke to many families affected by serious youth violence.

Multi-agency work was found to be most effective when partners made serious youth violence a priority issue.

Effective initiatives to tackle serious youth violence focused on working with children, their families and communities to understand and address local needs, including the impact of trauma and abuse, access to education and support, and opportunities for children to develop their interests and skills. The report highlights one example of professionals finding an apprenticeship for a young person to develop their love of sport, and as a result that child is now positively engaged and making plans for his future education.