The 'scaled approach', which provides the framework for determining levels of intervention for children in conflict with the law in England and Wales, might be seen as a logical culmination of the penetration of youth justice by a risk-averse policy and practice. This article questions the extent to which the model is compliant with children's human rights and argues that constructing intervention through the lens of risk is likely to be incompatible with the effective engagement of children in trouble. (Published Abstract)