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Support Announced for Children Caught Carrying a Knife

17 year olds to be treated as youths

Introduction of Mandatory Knife Intervention Plans for Children – What the New Law Means

The Government has announced that every child caught carrying a knife in England and Wales will now receive a mandatory, targeted intervention plan designed to prevent reoffending and protect the public.

The move forms part of a wider strategy to halve knife crime within a decade. But alongside the headlines, these reforms raise important legal questions about enforcement, consequences, and how young people will be treated within the justice system.

What Is Changing?

Under the new framework, police must refer every child found in possession of a knife to local Youth Justice Services. These services bring together professionals from health, education and community sectors to develop a structured intervention plan.

These plans will be compulsory. A child will not be able to opt out. Youth Justice Services will monitor compliance, and failure to engage may result in further enforcement action – including possible criminal charges.

What Could a Mandatory Plan Include?

Interventions are expected to focus on the root causes of knife carrying. This may include:

  • Mentoring programmes
  • Education and training requirements
  • Mental health or trauma support
  • Safeguarding interventions where exploitation is suspected

If the young person fails to comply or is assessed as posing an ongoing risk, police will be informed and further action can follow.

Funding and Wider Reform

The Government has pledged over £320 million in multi-year funding for Youth Justice Services, alongside continued investment in programmes such as Turnaround, which has reportedly seen more than 90% of participants avoid further cautions or court proceedings.

Additional funding has also been allocated to reduce the number of children held on remand, particularly in cases where custody may ultimately not be imposed.

What Are the Legal Implications?

While the stated aim is prevention and rehabilitation, these plans introduce a new layer of structured intervention that sits between informal diversion and formal prosecution.

Key considerations include:

  • How compliance will be assessed
  • What constitutes failure to engage
  • When police will escalate matters
  • The impact on future charging decisions

For families, early legal advice is critical. A knife possession allegation is already serious.

A breach of a mandatory intervention plan could compound matters and increase the risk of prosecution or custodial sentencing.

Prevention or Enforcement?

The policy attempts to balance rehabilitation with accountability.

It recognises that many children found carrying knives are vulnerable, exposed to exploitation or trauma, and at risk of both harming others and being harmed themselves.

However, the introduction of mandatory compliance mechanisms means that young people and their parents must treat these plans with the same seriousness as court orders.

How We Support Young People Facing Knife Allegations

Allegations of knife possession can have long-term consequences – affecting education, employment prospects and future sentencing outcomes.

Early engagement with experienced criminal defence solicitors can:

  • Ensure a child’s rights are protected during police interview
  • Challenge disproportionate enforcement decisions
  • Advise on diversionary options
  • Provide representation if charges are brought

These reforms signal a tougher and more structured approach to youth knife possession. Understanding the process – and responding correctly from the outset – is essential.

How We Can Help.

If your child is facing any charges regarding knife crime, it is important you seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity – call us now on 0161 477 1121 or email us.