Abstract

1. How can we enable young people to participate fully in their criminal trial? (Hannah Wishart) In England and Wales, the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR) is set at 10 years. Maturity varies greatly amongst children and trial may be stressful, requiring a high level of concentration and understanding of legal procedures. We will explore mechanisms that support children in the judicial system, the need to identify those requiring assistance, and how to request assessments to recommend suitable support.1 Why would you lock up this child? (Jeremy Burn/Heidi Hales) In our workshop here last year we trailled a vignette survey in which participants explained their decision-making around whether the child in each vignette needed secure care. We have analysed over 100 responses to 5 different clinical vignettes and will present the findings, with analysis of what factors impact upon the recommendations made by professionals.

2. Why would you lock up this child? (Jeremy Burn/Heidi Hales) In our workshop here last year we trailled a vignette survey in which participants explained their decision-making around whether the child in each vignette needed secure care. We have analysed over 100 responses to 5 different clinical vignettes and will present the findings, with analysis of what factors impact upon the recommendations made by professionals.

3. The ethical dilemmas when locking up a child (Michael Jewell) We will discuss the ethical dilemmas and philosophical frameworks available to understand our thinking when presented with the difficult decision about whether to recommend locking up a child for their own or others' safety. Empowered with frameworks to consider the background to our own and colleagues' thinking may enable a more fruitful discussion and help resolve differences of opinion.