New evidence highlights benefits of targeted prevention and diversion

The latest Targeted Prevention and Diversion: Evidence Pack has been published by the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales (YJB).

This latest evidence brings together the most up-to-date research, data and examples of effective of targeted prevention and diversion activity from across England and Wales. The publication aims to improve understanding of what works to prevent offending and support greater use of effective prevention and diversion approaches.  

The timing of the pack coincides with the new Government’s ambitions to intervene much earlier and aligns with Andy Burnham’s commitment in his first speech as Prime Minister of “building a more preventative state”. 

The pack highlights the importance of ensuring diversion considers the needs and safety of victims and public protection, alongside those of the child, while identifying opportunities to strengthen consistency and restorative approaches.

Key findings from the evidence review include: 

In the year ending December 2025, 43% of recorded outcomes involving a youth justice service (YJS) were diversionary, meaning they did not result in a caution or court sentence.  

In 2025, around 13,300 children were cautioned or sentenced, representing a 65% decrease since 2015.  

In the year ending December 2024, first-time entrants fell to 8,110, a 4% decrease from 2023 and the lowest level since 2014.  

White children (53%) were almost twice as likely as Black children (27%) to receive a diversionary outcome.  

Younger children aged 10-14 (66%) and girls (65%) were more likely to receive diversionary outcomes than older children aged 15-17 (39%) and boys (44%).  

There is significant geographic variation in diversionary outcomes, ranging from 63% in Wales and 58% in the East Midlands to 36% in the West Midlands and 17% in London.