Youth offending triage

Triage aims to prevent young people from re-offending and slipping deeper into the criminal justice system by assessing them much earlier than before.

How does triage work?

A member of our team will visit police stations to make early and rapid assessments of young people. This offers an opportunity for parents and carers to get support earlier.

The worker will establish whether the young person being detained is known to us or to Children’s Services. They will then advise the police and Crown Prosecution Service to help their decision about the way forward.

In low-risk cases where the young person admits the offence and both the family and victim agrees, this could involve restorative intervention, rather than court action.

Research carried out by the Youth Justice Board (YJB) suggests that most victims who have taken part in restorative justice are glad that they have been so closely involved, had a say and can move on with their lives.

Testimonial

Frances Done, Chair of the YJB, said:

“Triage prioritises the assessment of a young person and their offence, which means that the right levels of support are made available far earlier. This can include the use of restorative justice or prevention services, such as family support, which may reduce the chances of the young person moving further into the criminal justice system."