There is strong evidence that diverting children who have committed low-level or first-time offences, rather than taking them to court, can protect them from future involvement in crime and violence. It can also lower the severity of any crimes they do later commit. Diverting children is also likely to achieve these results for a lower cost than processing through the formal justice system.
In this session, we focused on how we can effectively divert children towards evidence-based support. Hear from the Youth Justice Board showcased their new case management guidance on how and when to use out-of-court disposals. We also learned about the Centre for Justice Innovations newly updated toolkit for practitioners which provides detailed guidance on how diversion should operate to maximise impact.
A youth justice practitioner who leads on implementing diversion within their local area shared their lessons learned.