Background: The full costs of accommodating and supporting young people in the criminal justice system are unknown. There is also concern about the level of mental health needs among young offenders and the provision of appropriate mental health services.
Aims: To estimate the full cost of supporting young people in the criminal justice system in England and Wales and to examine the relationship between needs, service use and cost.
Method: Cross-sectional survey of 301 young offenders, 151 in custody and 150 in the community, conducted in six geographically representative areas of England and Wales.
Results: Mental health service use was low despite high levels of need, particularly in the community. Monthly costs were significantly higher among young people interviewed in secure facilities than in the community (pound 4645 v. pound 1863; P<0.001). Younger age and a depressed mood were associated with greater costs.
Conclusions: Young people in the criminal justice system are a significant financial burden not only on that system but also on social services, health and education. The relationship between cost and depressed mood indicates a role for mental health services in supporting young offenders, particularly those in the community.