Childhood offenders could be given fresh start under government plans

People with childhood convictions for offences such as robbery may soon no longer have to disclose their criminal records when applying for jobs.

Adults who committed crimes as children but have since turned their lives around could be given a fresh start under proposals unveiled by the government on Thursday.

The proposals would end lifelong disclosure requirements for some childhood convictions, allowing people to apply for jobs and access education without being held back by offences committed when they were young.

Justice Minister Jake Richards said the changes would “give people a fair chance to move on from their past”.

The Ministry of Justice said current criminal record disclosure rules do not always distinguish between offences committed by adults and children, despite young people having a greater capacity to change.

The proposed reforms would not apply to people with convictions for serious violent offences, including violent and sexual crimes, it said.

The plans would also remove the requirement to disclose childhood out-of-court resolutions and reduce or remove disclosure requirements for convictions that resulted in a fine.

The government said protecting the public would remain a priority, particularly in roles involving safeguarding children and vulnerable people.

Mr Richards said: “Children who commit crimes must face the consequences. But those who turn their lives around shouldn’t be condemned to carry their mistakes forever.

“Too often, a childhood criminal record can close doors to jobs, education and the chance to build a better future.

“I want to give people a fair chance to move on from their past, while ensuring the public remains protected from those who pose a risk.”

The government has also held discussions with businesses including KPMG, Timpson and Greene King about the barriers childhood criminal records can create when people try to find work.

Penelope Gibbs, director of Transform Justice, said: “Criminal records (DBS) checks are an essential tool for safeguarding individuals, but a childhood misdemeanour should not prevent someone from volunteering or getting work decades later.

“Our current system means that a child who commits an offence aged 12 and receives a community sentence will often still have to disclose that offence 30 years later. Even if they have led a crime-free life for all those 30 years.

“The government’s proposals will help rehabilitate a generation of children, and enable them to engage fully in work and society.”

Satvir Kaur, the safeguarding and violence against women and girls minister, said protecting communities would remain central to the government's approach.

She said: “There are some convictions, particularly for serious violent and sexual offences, that will always need to be disclosed.”

The proposals will be subject to consultation, with the government seeking views from people affected by childhood criminal records, employers and organisations involved in criminal records and safeguarding.