A new guidance by the Centre for Justice Innovation and the Youth Endowment Fund offers recommendations to police forces on diversionary measures for children. It draws on global evidence-based research that analyses the impact of diversion on children who are at risk of coming into contact with the justice system following an encounter with the police.
Acknowledging the heterogeneity of children, and how diversionary actions may not suit each child’s needs, this guidance outlines the general benefits of diversion schemes, like reducing the chances of situations of violence against children and of reoffending. Research shows that these benefits have a greater impact of younger children (12-14).
The guidance offers seven main recommendations for the effective implementation of diversion practices. They are the following, further developed in the guidance:
1. Encouraging a pro-diversion culture among all officers and staff for low-level offending.
2. Developing clear eligibility criteria and ensuring equitable access to diversion.
3. Reducing the use of police custody for children.
4. Developing a robust decision-making process in coordination with other agencies.
5. Ensuring swift access to evidence-based support.
6. Agreeing a process for reviewing and closing diversion cases.
7. Maintaining high standards of diversion delivery.