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We receive more than 100 calls per week from children and young people in prison who need our help. Our successful legal work has transformed law, policy and practice, but it could not carry on without the generous support of our members. Please add your voice.

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Less crime

We analyse the evidence and promote lasting solutions to crime. Our legal work has improved the law and secured support for young people when they are released from custody.

What we do →

Safer communities

We ensure that children in trouble with the law are kept safe and not made the adult criminals of tomorrow. Thanks to our work with the police, the number of child arrests fell by more than 70% between 2010 and 2018.

What we have achieved →

Fewer people in prison

We campaign to reduce the prison population and to change prisons. From challenging restrictions on prisoners reading books to ground-breaking research on sex behind bars, the Howard League is the leading voice on what should happen inside prisons.

Why the system is broken →
83,052 people in prisons

This week there are 83,052 people in prisons and young offender institutions in England and Wales.

View Prison Watch →

Latest posts from Frances Crook

Find out more about our work

  • Commission on Crime and Problem Gambling

    The Commission will lead in developing our understanding of, and ability to respond to, the links between problem gambling and crime.

  • Barbed wire at Portland prison

    Justice and fairness in prisons

    Our programme on justice and fairness in prisons seeks to create a blueprint to establish what a just prison would look like, eliminate everyday unfairness and implement fair and restorative approaches.

  • Wandsworth prison interior

    Briefings and submissions

    We are often consulted when policy-makers need expert advice. Read our briefings and submissions.

  • Sign outside the front door of the Howard League's office

    COVID-19: Office closed

    The Howard League office is closed and all events are postponed following the coronavirus outbreak.

  • Howard League Community Awards

    Every year, the Howard League presents awards to successful community projects that help turn lives around and reduce crime.

  • Pair of police officers on duty in Appleby at the New Fair, Cumbria, UK

    Children in residential care

    Children in children's homes are more likely to be criminalised than other children. Our programme looks into the reasons why, and explores how change could be achieved.

  • The Royal Courts of Justice in London

    Legal advice

    Our lawyers provide expert legal advice to anyone aged under 21 in prison.

  • Four Metropolitan Police officers stand on duty in Central London.

    Children and policing

    The Howard League has been working with police forces in England and Wales to keep as many boys and girls as possible out of the criminal justice system.