Many Children in the Youth Justice System in the UK Have Special Educational Needs
Those entering youth justice facilities in the United Kingdom are faced with an unexpected reality: the vast majority of children in custody have special educational needs or neurodisabilities. Experts say this situation is a serious indication that the education system is failing to adequately support these children.
Research shows that a significant portion of these children have lasting conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), brain injuries, or foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It is estimated that between 50% and 87% of children in custody worldwide have sustained brain injuries, while more than 60% experience speech and communication difficulties.
Experts emphasize that neurodisability does not make children inherently criminal, but rather that exclusion from the education system pushes them toward the justice system. According to data from the UK Department for Education, children with special educational needs account for half of all permanent school exclusions. During the 2023–2024 academic year, temporary exclusions increased by 21% and permanent exclusions by 16%. Experts attribute this rise to the growing use of so-called “zero-tolerance” discipline policies in schools.