NCJ Number
229324
Date Published
July 2008
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and findings of the "equality impact assessment" (EIA) of the British Government's Youth Crime Action Plan (YCAP), which aims to reduce youth offending and reoffending.
Abstract
The EIA assessed the content of the YCAP as published on July 15, 2008, in order to ensure that it complies with current British equality legislative requirements regarding race, gender, gender identity, disability, faith or religion, sexual orientation, and age. Results of the EIA are presented under the YCAP's dominant domains of "enforcement," "prevention," "victims," and "justice." The EIA concludes that the YCAP was developed with consideration of its impact on gender identity, religious belief or nonbelief, and sexual orientation. The EIA concludes that any disproportionate impact of the YCAP on such groups is minimal. Given its focus on youth, however, there is clearly a significant consideration of and impact on certain age groups. It also addresses some issues of socioeconomic background/social class. Further, given that there are higher offending rates among boys and particular ethnic groups, these youth are likely to be disproportionately affected by the proposals of the YCAP. Families from these groups are more likely to be targeted for early intervention. In implementing the YCAP, it is expected that local authorities and other delivery partners will consider equality issues in their delivery plans. Key equality issues in the areas of age, ethnicity, and gender should be the focus of ongoing monitoring. A delivery board with official status will be established to provide oversight of equality and diversity issues. This EIA is based on a review of official documents of government agencies and discussions with key policy leaders in the main government departments involved in the production of the YCAP.