Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Paragraph: 36
We recognise the important role that out-of-court disposals, both formal and informal, play in diverting...
Conclusion
We recognise the important role that out-of-court disposals, both formal and informal, play in diverting children from formal criminal justice processes and consider them an integral part of the youth justice system. We note that data collection on the effectiveness of such schemes is patchy at best, particularly for informal, non-statutory diversion schemes, which make up around 40% of all out- of-court disposals. Although data is collected on formal out-of-court disposals, we have an incomplete picture of how many children are diverted from entering the criminal justice system.
Paragraph Reference:
36
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
8. We recognise the importance of preventing children from entering the criminal justice system and intervening early to stop minor offences from leading to repeat or severe reoffending. Some out-of-court disposals have the lowest reoffending rate of all disposals for children. Diversion from formal criminal justice processing is therefore a vital part of the wider youth justice system. We are interested in hearing about ways in which this part of the youth justice system can be improved, and we welcome the attention the Committee has given to this important area.