Assessment and management of young people: guidance

2. Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the term 'child' refers to individuals below the age of eighteen years. This definition is stated in article 1 of the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) , which was ratified by the UK government in 1991 and further endorsed through their agreement to the UNCRC rules. Accordingly any individual under the age of 18 who commits an offence should be considered a child who requires an age appropriate disposal adapted to and focused on their needs and rights. This view is echoed by the Council of Europe's Guidelines on Child Friendly Justice (2010).

As young people can be managed under both child and adult justice systems, for the purpose of this guidance, 'single plan' refers to the main plan (which will include a risk management plan). Lead Professional is equivalent to Case Manager.