To think that cautions for non violent offences committed by children should not show up on a CRB check 20 years later

[ReallyTired]

An enhanced CRB check will show any caution that someone has recieved in their life. The criminal age of responsiblity is incredibly low in the UK compared to other countries. An eleven year old might be stupid enough to shop lift and end up with a caution, yet grow up to be a responsible adult.

I feel that serious crimes of a violent or a sexual nature should never be forgotten (even committed as a child.) However does an employer really need to know that a 40 year old stole some sweets from Woollies 30 years ago. I know the arguement is that the 40 year old should disclose the caution and let the employer decide whether its relevent. However some people can be incredibly judgemental.

What has prompted this post. I have been Watching Edcuating Essex on 4Od and young two girls are in trouble for cyber/ text messaging bullying. The girls are incredbily lucky the parents of the victim chose not to go to the police. It made me wonder whether its right that potential a caution recieved as a young teen could wreck someone's career dreams.

[moominmarvellous]

I'm really interested in this as two years ago I begun a voluntary role which asked on the application of I had any criminal convictions (not warnings/cautions, just convictions).

When I was 18 I received a 'verbal warning'. Didn't think this was formal at all. It crossed my mind to declare it, but really didn't think it was ever recorded so didn't count as a 'caution'.

Enhanced CRB check 14 years later showed it up as a caution for false accounting! (I gave a cash refund to a friend who had no receipt) Which I realise is technically right but sounds SO terrible. Especially as I'm about to train as a mortage advisor. I was in tears and just felt so ashamed all over again.

But according to the link by PolterGoose, maybe this now wouldn't show up. I really hope that is the case as its really played on my mind again ever since.

It didn't affect my voluntary role in the end as I explained why I didnt declare it, and I'm now in paid employment by the same organisation. But I was so embarrassed by it and hated that the worst part of my past was now part of an employers first impression.

[JulietBravoJuliet]

When it says "Convictions which did not result in a prison or suspended prison sentence: will not be disclosed after 11 years from the date of the conviction" - does this mean if you received a conviction for a non-violent crime in, say, 2002, it will not appear on a DBS check done now? What if there was community service imposed or a ban on driving etc? Does the 11 years run from the date of the court hearing or from the date the "punishment" ended? Just curious as I'm not sure how this all works!

[ILetHimKeep20Quid]

If in doubt, declare. You will look a hundrerd times worse if you don't and it does show.

[comingalongnicely]

Woe betide that choccy bar in the pocket in your teenage years!! On the other hand, if you're Jon Venables it doesn't matter at all as you've been forgiven!!

[lljkk]

Anyone remember all the elected police something in Britain last year... Police commissioners? Anyway, a load of nominated people in their 50s had to turn down the role because it turned out they had juvenile criminal records. Things like trespassing at the age of 11.

So I am sure these things WILL follow our children thru their lives, sadly.

Goes with living in the Paperwork Age. Very unforgiving.