New figures provide the first national picture of diversionary outcomes involving Youth Justice Services
Newly published data have provided the first national picture of diversionary outcomes involving Youth Justice Services (YJSs) in England and Wales, highlighting the scale at which diversion is being used as part of the youth justice system. In a blog published on 18 June 2026, Youth Justice Board Interim Chair Phil Bowen discussed findings from The use of diversionary outcomes with youth justice service involvement – 2025 England and Wales, which was published on 28 May 2026.
According to the data, around 13,500 outcomes involving YJSs in 2025 were diversionary, accounting for 43% of all outcomes for children worked with by youth justice services. Bowen noted that the figure is likely to underestimate the overall use of diversion because it does not include diversion delivered solely by police forces or through wider local partnerships.
The report states that diversion is now a significant part of how youth justice services, police, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations respond to children who come into contact with the justice system. The data also highlights regional variation in the use of diversionary outcomes.
In the East Midlands, 56% of outcomes involving YJSs were diversionary, compared with 17% in London. In Wales, diversionary outcomes accounted for 63% of total outcomes. The report notes that different areas use different approaches and mechanisms, influenced by local policies and operational practices.
The publication also identifies differences between demographic groups. According to the data, 53% of outcomes involving White children were diversionary, compared with 27% of outcomes involving Black children. Bowen said geography may explain part of the difference, but does not fully account for it. He referred to the findings of David Lammy’s review and said that where disparities exist, the system must be able to explain them or consider reform.
The blog highlights ongoing efforts to improve consistency in decision-making and reduce disparities. These include the use of the Prevention and Diversion Assessment Tool (PDAT), developed by the Youth Justice Board and recently evaluated by Cordis Bright. Bowen also referenced the launch of Basecamp: Diversion and Youth Justice Policing, an initiative intended to bring police forces and youth justice services together to share practice and support greater consistency.
The publication states that diversionary approaches are designed to intervene early, address underlying causes of behaviour, and reduce future offending. Looking ahead, the Youth Justice Board said it will continue working with partners across the sector to strengthen the evidence base, support improvement and ensure diversionary approaches are applied effectively and fairly. The blog also notes that the government’s recent youth justice white paper places early intervention and diversion within the national policy framework.