By Prof Anthony Charles, Co-Investigator for the BREACH Project
Some of the most vulnerable children in society can find themselves drawn into the youth justice system, often carrying with them experiences of poverty, trauma, disrupted education, poor mental health, or involvement with social services. Yet remarkably little is known about what happens when those children struggle to comply with the conditions attached to court orders.
This question lay at the heart of the BREACH Project, a Nuffield Foundation-funded project led by Dr Helen Hodges. Combining her expertise in youth justice and linked administrative data, Helen sought to understand why some children become involved in breach proceedings, what this tells us about the support they receive, and how government and partner agencies might better respond to some of the most vulnerable children in society.
Addressing hidden vulnerabilities in youth justice
The research emerged from a longstanding concern within youth justice. While policy has increasingly embraced child-centred, trauma-informed approaches, there remains evidence that some children are unable to comply with court requirements, not because they are unwilling, but because of the complex and sometimes chaotic circumstances in which they live. Helen recognised that these children were largely invisible within existing research and statistics.
Using anonymised court records linked with education, health and social care data, the Breach Project initially aimed to provide the first detailed picture of children involved in breach proceedings across England and Wales. By identifying patterns of vulnerability and disparity, the research offers an opportunity to better understand which children are most at risk and why.
Honouring a legacy through evidence-led change
Most regrettably, Helen passed away in January 2026. Yet, recognising the importance of her vision and her determination to challenge existing policy and practice, colleagues at Swansea and Cardiff Universities have taken up the baton. At a time when youth justice reform is firmly on the policy agenda, there has arguably never been a more important opportunity to understand breaches and the real-life experiences of children who come into conflict with the law.
The potential impact of this research is significant. The findings could help courts, youth justice services and policymakers design sentencing conditions and support arrangements that are more realistic, effective and responsive to children’s needs. Ultimately, the work seeks to reduce unnecessary criminal justice system involvement and improve outcomes for children whose lives are often marked by disadvantage.
In so many ways, the project reflects Helen’s enduring belief that data should not only be used to understand inequality, but also to challenge it. By bringing together robust evidence and the experiences of children themselves, the research continues her commitment to creating a fairer and more compassionate youth justice system.
To learn more about the research and methodology, visit the BREACH Project web page.