Criminal justice system outcomes of children with child welfare service involvement and special educational needs: analysis of routinely collected data

Children in youth justice systems are disproportionately likely to have special educational needs and prior child welfare interventions. This study examined the odds of criminal justice involvement among children in England (N = 1,708,565) born between 1995 and 1998, using linked education and justice records. Across nine of eleven SEN categories, children with a child welfare intervention had higher odds of a criminal caution or conviction (OR = 1.59–2.58). Among those with justice involvement, odds of receiving a custodial sentence were higher across eight of nine SEN categories (OR = 1.25–1.71). Findings indicate a compound disadvantage: children with both SEN and child welfare involvement face increased odds of criminalisation and custody, underscoring the need for integrated policy responses. Funding: ESRC ADR UK ES/W002345/1.