Last resort? Exploring the reduction in child imprisonment 2008–11

The number of children imprisoned in England and Wales has fallen from about 3,000 in the first half of 2008 to around 2,000 three years later. This significant fall has happened in parallel with a rise in the adult prison population, and despite any major legislative changes. The reduction in youth custody has occurred without an increase in youth crime. This report analyses why it has happened.