Abstract The relationship between experiences of public care and criminal behaviour is frequently referred to in the fields of child care and criminology, but has rarely been empirically explored. This article attempts to highlight something of the complexity of this relationship by drawing on interview data with careleavers, and by discussing policy assumptions relating to children in the care and criminal justice systems. In light of the current policy climate and popular perceptions that routinely link children in care with trouble, the article questions how far justice for looked after children can be achieved.
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