Writing for The Law Society Gazette, David Hardstaff, Partner at BCL, has welcomed the government’s policy paper, A Modern Youth Justice System, describing early intervention and diversion as fundamental to meaningful reform.
Justice Secretary David Lammy acknowledges within the paper that many children who remain within the youth justice system are among the “hardest to reach”, often with significant unmet needs. Ministry of Justice and Department for Education figures show that 80% of children cautioned have special educational needs, while 32% are designated as a “child in need”.
The policy paper proposes more stable funding for youth justice services and continued support for diversionary programmes aimed at preventing vulnerable children from entering the formal criminal justice system. It also signals reforms to custody arrangements and young offender institutions.
Commenting on the proposals, Hardstaff said:
“The need for early intervention and diversion schemes is fundamental to the youth justice system.
“As police forces find themselves overwhelmed with work and woefully under-resourced for the task, we are seeing repeated failures to appropriately signpost young people at an early stage.
“It is often the case that junior police officers who are new to the job know little about the youth justice options available. In consequence, they take a formulaic approach to investigations, both because this is what they know and sometimes, sadly, because it is the easier option.
“There must be better training for junior recruits and closer working between busy response officers and youth offending teams.”
Hardstaff also highlighted the importance of the National Police Chiefs’ Council Child Gravity Matrix, which assists police and Youth Justice Services in determining appropriate outcomes for children who offend, including diversionary and non-statutory options where appropriate.
The article reflects growing recognition across the justice sector that effective youth justice reform must prioritise early support, diversion and better coordination between police, youth offending teams and wider support services.
To read the full article in The Law Society Gazette, please click here.
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