Keith Fraser, born and bred in Birmingham, called for an end to ‘systemic racism’

Keith Fraser, chairman of the Youth Justice Board (YJB) for England and Wales, has issued a stark warning about the persistent over-representation of black and mixed-ethnicity children in the judicial system.

He attributed it to deep-rooted systemic biases and structural inequalities.

In a detailed statement, Fraser, who grew up in Birmingham and later served as a superintendent in the West Midlands Police, highlighted how disparities often begin long before children encounter the justice system. 

He pointed to statistics showing black children facing higher rates of persistent poverty, school exclusions, and even child mortality compared to their white peers. 

For instance, black Caribbean pupils are three times more likely to face permanent exclusion from school.

‘Adultification’ bias, where black children are perceived as less vulnerable

Fraser drew particular attention to “adultification” bias, where black children are perceived as older and less vulnerable. 

Research commissioned by the YJB revealed that pre-sentence reports use more formal language for black children, potentially downplaying their circumstances. 

Risk assessments also inflate reoffending likelihood for black children by 37.2 percentage points, nearly double that for white children.

Remand disparities remain acute, with black children seven percentage points more likely to receive custodial remand even after controlling for offence severity. 

Fraser said more than 62% of remanded children do not ultimately receive custodial sentences, making this practice particularly harmful.

Doubling of mixed-ethnicity children in custody

Despite some progress, such as small reductions in remand and custody for black children over the past decade, Fraser voiced concern over the doubling of mixed-ethnicity children in custody. 

“This is systemic racism. We must actively choose to reduce it,” he said, calling for stronger partnerships across education, health, housing and policing to address root causes.

Promising initiatives include culturally sensitive programmes like the Ether Programme, achieving an 86% reduction in reoffending among ethnic minority boys, and Kitchen Table Talks supporting parents. 

Fraser also praised efforts in Islington, London, to highlight adultification in reports, leading to reduced disparities.

As a former West Midlands officer with deep regional ties, including trusteeship of Sport Birmingham, Fraser emphasised that socioeconomic inequalities fuel systemic racism. 

He urged efforts to actively reduce disparities, ensuring every child is treated as a child first.