The youth justice system in England & Wales was last redesigned shortly after the present government came to power with the Crime & Disorder Act 1998. You can see more of the history on the YJB website.
The Independent Commission on Youth Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour is due to report in the summer on overhauling the system.
BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour had an interesting feature on this consultation. You can listen again via the Woman’s Hour Website.
There’s a day left if you want to contribute to the consultation.