Moving forward after custody

Change is possible - this is just one chapter in your life, not the whole story.

We know that being in custody can leave you feeling frightened, angry, confused, or even like you’re a bad person. It’s okay to feel uncertain about what comes next but remember, this is just one chapter in your life, not the whole story. What you’ve experienced doesn’t have to define you and we want you to know that there is support available for you.

If you feel able to talk to an adult you trust, you might think about how you ended up in custody. If you’ve ever felt like someone took advantage of you, tricked you, or made you do things you didn’t want to, please know that it’s not your fault.

Have you been groomed?

Grooming is when someone tries to build a relationship, trust and emotional connection with someone so that they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them later.

Did you know? It’s not just adults that groom young people, sometimes other young people can be groomers. Sometimes these people seem like your friends.

I think I’ve been groomed. What should I do?

If someone has asked you to do something you don’t want to, if they are pressuring or threatening you, you should talk to an adult you trust. It’s important to remember that it’s not your fault - even if you’ve done something they’ve asked you to do before. It’s not too late to ask for help.

What matters now is what you choose to do next. You have the power to take control, turn things around, and build a future that’s filled with hope and possibility.

You're not alone in this journey. We're here to help you find your way forward.

Anton Noble, Founder and Programme Manager, Guiding Young Minds, discusses custody:

No names, no trace

You can pass on information about crime or tell us about a person or people who’ve forced you or others to commit crime using our simple online form – it's 100% anonymous. That means no one will ever know the information came from you.

Tell us what you know

Watch the below video to find out more about Fearless and how our anonymous reporting service works:

We know that for many young people entering the justice system, it’s not their fault, but it’s important that everyone takes responsibility for, and understands the consequences of their actions.

Your circumstances - things like where you grow up, the people you have around you, even your race and gender all shape you experiences. But ultimately, you are in control of your life and can make good choices, even if things feel difficult.

Knowing what the law says, how to spot signs of grooming and exploitation and knowing where to get support can help you look out for yourself and your friends, make good choices and help everyone feel safer.

Learn about different crime types.

Fearless provides information about crime and gives you a safe way to speak up 100% anonymously. If you need support and advice, there are lots of organisations out there who can help you. Take a look at our list of trusted support services.

Want to know more about the journey through custody?

knowmyrights.org.uk have created some short animations to take you through it.

Custody is not a punishment setting, it should feel safe and you have the right to be treated fairly, with kindness and respect.

If you feel that you were mistreated physically or emotionally or led to say or do things that you didn’t want to, you should tell your parent or carer, or another adult you trust.

Anonymity

Fearless is a service that allows you to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously. Anonymous means your identity is completely unknown.

Give information anonymously

Report a crime 100% anonymously by completing our online form or calling 0800 555 111

Youth support services

Access a selection of youth organisations who can offer further information, advice and support for whatever you're dealing with.

Victim of crime?

Because Fearless is 100% anonymous, we cannot take, respond to or pass on information from victims of crime.

If you have been a victim of crime, it’s really important that you talk to a parent or carer, an adult you trust, or report it to the police.

You can also get more information, support and advice from the organisations listed on our youth support services page.