The Independent Commission on Youth Crime and Antisocial Behaviour: fresh start or false dawn?

Purpose – In 2010, “The Independent Commission on Youth Crime and Antisocial Behaviour” published a major report. This paper critically assesses the report by placing it within a context of juvenile/youth justice policy reform extending over the last 50 years. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based upon national and international policy analysis and comparative research. Findings – In recent years the persistent politicisation of youth crime and an obsession with “tough” responses to child offenders in England and Wales have produced one of the most problematic youth justice regimes in the Western world. Against this backdrop the report of the Independent Commission on Youth Crime and Antisocial Behaviour is designed to influence policy reform. By drawing on an international evidence base, this paper assesses the merits of the Commission's proposals and the extent to which they signify a “fresh start” or a “false dawn”. Originality/value – The paper argues that international evidence, alongside the provisions of both global and pan‐European human rights standards, provides a compelling case for raising the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales, for developing youth justice policy and practice in accordance with the principle of minimum necessary intervention and for abolishing prison service and private sector penal custody for children and young people.