Youth Justice Liaison and Diversion:
Peterborough

Operational since November 2009, the scheme is based within the Youth Offending Service (YOS) and employs a Band 7 Nurse and an Assistant Clinical Psychologist. Both YJLD practitioners are employed by the local PCT.

The model

The model has been influenced by the Rainer React approach and aims to provide a prompt response in police custody suites and close liaison with the police. Referrals are received from the PACE workers (Appropriate Adult Scheme), the Drug Testing Officer in the police custody suite and the YOS Final Warnings Police Officer.

Following screening by the YJLD practitioners, results are shared with the police, YOS and Crown Prosecution Service to influence decision making. The workers contribute to pre-sentence reports by recommending appropriate intervention specific to the individual case.

Next steps

For Tier 2 cases, personalised packages are offered after assessment within the home, focusing on such issues as anger management, counselling, mentoring or educational activities.

Tier 3 and above cases are referred to CAMHS, and where other vulnerabilities are identified young people are referred to other statutory or voluntary agencies for specialist intervention.

Multi-disciplinary panels are put together to review packages of care for the most vulnerable young people at a pre-arrest stage.

Achievements

Peterborough has successfully diverted young people away from the youth justice system and provided appropriate packages of care.

Contact the team

Sharron Bowman
sharron.bowman@peterborough.gov.uk
01733 864678