Shining a spotlight on guidance developed across Wales supporting a child-first approach to youth justice

Policing in Wales and Criminal Justice partners have welcomed the publication of Welsh Government guidance on diversion and out-of-court resolutions for children.  

In May 2019 Welsh Government and Ministry of Justice published the Youth Justice Blueprint which set out Wales’ key aspirations and guiding principles for children in, or at risk of, entering the criminal justice system. One of its key areas of focus was the Pre-Court Diversion workstream. This workstream aimed to ensure that existing good practice is sustained and there is consistency in services delivered across Wales. It also involved identifying opportunities to develop interventions for diversion and out of court resolutions to meet the needs of different children and effectively address offending behaviour across a range of offences. 

To progress delivery of the workstream objectives funding was secured from Welsh Government to commission delivery of All-Wales pre-court principles and guidance and a set of recommendations for future development.  

This work, led by Sian Rees, Director of Justice from the Office of the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and Eleri Thomas, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, in collaboration with Policing in Wales, the Youth Justice Board and YOT Managers Cymru, marks a significant step forward in supporting a child-first approach to youth justice. 

The guidance sets out clear principles and expectations for agencies across Wales, reinforcing a shared commitment to preventing the unnecessary criminalisation of children and ensuring that responses to offending behaviour are proportionate, timely and focused on long-term positive outcomes. 

Sian Rees, Director of Justice for South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner notes; 

“This guidance reflects a shared belief that children should be met with understanding, support and fairness when they come into contact with the justice system. By encouraging diversion and out‑of‑court resolutions, it promotes responses that recognise the individual circumstances behind a child’s behaviour and offer help at the right time. Developed through close working across Wales, it supports a more joined up and consistent approach, while leaving space for professionals to have conversations, build relationships and make decisions that help children move forward in a positive way” 

The guidance will support professionals to make informed, child-centred decisions that address the underlying causes of behaviour, reduce reoffending and promote safer communities. It also emphasises the importance of early intervention, partnership working and the meaningful involvement of children and their families in decisions that affect them. 

Criminal Justice partners will continue to work closely with the Welsh Government to ensure the guidance is implemented effectively and delivers meaningful impact for children and communities. 

Principles and guidelines for diversion and out of court resolutions for children [HTML] | GOV.WALES