Criminal Records.

Is it fair that an individual should be punished for the rest of their lives for crimes they commited as a kid. My friend got in trouble with the police over 20years ago three times between the age of 14 and 19 and a recent background check still showed this. He is now one of the most honest caring people I know with a family and stable job but if you didn't know him and read his criminal reference you may judge him on his previous which I think is extremly unfair and cruel. What are your thoughts on this?