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While you’re here, can you help support our work by making a donation? We are an independent charity and rely on donations to continue our work for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison. Please help us secure our future by donating and adding your voice to our movement for change.

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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 68% between 2010 and 2017.

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 →
82,441 people in prisons

This week there are 82,441 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

  • Wandsworth prison interior

    Briefings and submissions

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

  • Crime, Justice and Social Harms

    Howard League International Conference 2020 - Call for papers

  • Howard League Community Awards 2019

    Every year, the Howard League presents awards to successful community projects that help turn lives around and reduce crime. We are accepting nominations for this year's awards.

  • City police officers on the beat on Bethnal Green Road, London, England, 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.

  • Recommendations for the government

    We have identified five broad areas that ministers must address to reduce crime and make communities safer.