Nacro responds to the Government’s plan to provide every young person carrying a knife with tailored support (11.02.2026). This is a positive move towards a youth justice system focussed on care and prevention.
Plans include:
- £320 million invested into Youth Justice Services.
- A commitment to halve knife crime within a decade and make streets safer.
We support the commitment to early intervention and prevention to address the root causes of why some young people may carry a weapon. The focus on safeguarding and supporting young people is a welcome step, helping them move away from crime and into positive pathways. Prison should be an absolute last resort for all young people and children.
It is crucial the Government is ambitious in its plans, and we look forward to working with the Ministry of Jutice and to the ‘bold vision’ promised for the Spring.
Notes to editor
