This instance of eLearning is brought to you by the Children and Young People's Centre for Justice (CYCJ) and Carevisions to raise awareness about the unnecessary criminalisation of children in care. It introduces the prevalence and impact of how everyday behaviours that would typically be handled within a family setting can sometimes escalate into police involvement when they occur in care environments. Learners are encouraged to consider how their responses can assist in supporting a child's stability and well-being to reduce stigma, trauma and harmful justice contact. This module is ideal for those who have contact with children whilst they are displaying distressed behaviours as well as those who have responsibility for policy and practice decisions and ultimately endeavour to promote a culture of understanding, care and proportionate decision making. By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Recognise the disproportionate representation of care-experienced children and young people in the justice system
• Understand the impact of unnecessary police contact and criminalisation on children and young people with care experience
• Identify the links between children going missing, physical restraint and criminalisation
• Consider common experiences of children in care and the impact these can have on their development and behaviour
• Reflect on some of the system responses that can lead to the unnecessary criminalisation of children in care
• Consider responses that can be helpful when children and young people are displaying distressed behaviours
• Understand how distressed behaviours can impact upon the workforce and the importance of self-care and organisational responsibilities to staff welfare
• Reflect on the different roles and responsibilities of those working with children in care and the importance of multi-agency partnerships
• Understand key elements from the relevant protocols

This fully online course can be undertaken at the flexible pace of the learner when suitable, taking approximately 4 hours.

This e-learning is suitable for those who respond to the needs of children currently in, or on the cusp of being involved in conflict with the law.

Contact Joanne Lee or Marianiki Vlachou at cycj@strath.ac.uk for further information regarding this course.