This panel chaired by Dr Stevie-Jade Hardy of the Youth Endowment Fund focuses on the importance of diversion in youth justice, exploring its role in preventing youth involvement in crime and the challenges faced in implementing effective diversion strategies.

Joining Dr Hardy was Sarah Carlsen-Browne of Devon and Cornwall Police, Dr Peter Neyroud of Cambridge University and Claire Ely of the Centre for Justice Innovation.

Key themes included the evidence base for diversion, the need for systemic change, and the importance of addressing disparities in access to diversion programs.

The speakers emphasize the need for a collaborative approach, effective communication, and the importance of training for police officers to ensure successful outcomes in youth justice.

Takeaways

• Diversion is crucial in preventing youth from entering the criminal justice system.
• Evidence shows that most children will grow out of crime without formal intervention.
• The criminal justice system can exacerbate criminal behavior in youth.
• Effective diversion requires a cultural shift within policing.
• Training and support for officers are essential for successful diversion implementation.
• Community resolutions can provide meaningful alternatives to prosecution.
• Addressing disparities in access to diversion programs is vital.
• Collaboration between police and youth services enhances diversion outcomes.
• Bravery from leadership is needed to prioritize diversion strategies.
• Ongoing evaluation and adaptation of diversion practices are necessary for success.

Sound Bites

• “We have a bobby dazzler of a session.”
• “Diversion can play a key role within that.”
• “Is there another way of doing business?”

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Diversion in Youth Justice
02:59 – Research Findings on Diversion Implementation
06:01 – Methodology and Framework for Effective Diversion
08:55 – Key Principles for Successful Diversion
11:49 – Challenges in Current Diversion Practices
14:57 – Recommendations for Improving Diversion Strategies
18:13 – Effective Practices in Youth Diversion
20:51 – The Role of Evidence in Diversion Strategies
24:03 – Impact of Criminal Justice System on Youth
27:07 – Effective Practice Principles for Youth Diversion
30:08 – Addressing Disparities in Youth Justice
32:47 – Future Directions for Diversion Practices
35:57 – Conclusion and Call to Action

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