Information
The effectiveness of diverting children from the criminal justice system: meeting needs, ensuring safety, and preventing reoffending
Youth out-of-court disposals (OoCDs) are alternatives to formal prosecution for children and are designed to divert them away from the criminal justice system by addressing their behaviour early and offering support to prevent further offending.
In 2018, HM Inspectorate of Probation, with HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, conducted an inspection into the delivery of OoCDs (PDF document). The resulting report made 11 recommendations, emphasising the need for greater focus on victims and a comprehensive evaluation of the use and effectiveness of OoCDs. Since then, the use of OoCDs has increased significantly and now accounts for most casework in many youth justice services.
Evidence of the impact and cost effectiveness of OoCDs remains limited. National data is lacking, and there is little understanding of the number issued, how they are used, or how effective different approaches are. In this report, they make 18 recommendations to support stronger governance, clearer guidance, and more consistent practice in the use of OoCDs for children. A copy of the report can be downloaded here
PFCC Response
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire and her office welcome this report. This is an area that she has and continues to undertake significant investment in, through her Early Intervention team, youth team and community justice team.
The Commissioner acknowledges the recommendation relating to Chief Constable (rec 11) and has used her internal assuranve processes to ensure that appropriate and proportionate activity is taking place to meet the needs of this”
