Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Paragraph: 53
We agree with the Ministry of Justice’s priority of diverting children away from the criminal...
Conclusion
We agree with the Ministry of Justice’s priority of diverting children away from the criminal justice system and support early intervention work such as Liaison and Diversion schemes. We are aware that Youth Liaison and Diversion schemes may not be included in the current evaluation taking place of adult liaison and diversion schemes and recommend that the Ministry of Justice commission an evaluation into the effectiveness of Youth Liaison and Diversion schemes. This evaluation should include the number of children who have been diverted away from the criminal justice system as a result of such schemes.
Paragraph Reference:
53
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
13. NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) lead on youth liaison and diversion schemes and welcome this recommendation. Whilst NHSE&I have had a clear rationale as to why children and young people were not included within the adult liaison and diversion evaluation, relating to the issue of obtaining informed consent, they will consider the merits of undertaking a process evaluation. NHSE&I are currently developing plans to work closely with HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) and YJB in 2021–22 to establish pathfinder areas to identify and promote good practice. 14. Presently, providers are not asked to record criminal justice outcomes—in any event the outcome by itself will not reveal whether it was information provided by the liaison and diversion service that was the determining factor that led to a diversionary disposal. These are subjective decisions taken by the police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), YOTs, youth courts etc. who will weigh several factors in reaching their decision and who may not necessarily record the reason. 15. During 2018–19, liaison and diversion services engaged with 2,399 children and young people. Forty-seven per cent presented with one or more mental health issues, 23% with a substance misuse issue and 10% with alcohol issues.