Research backs use of police diversion schemes but highlights inconsistency

The research examined pre-court diversion interventions around the world – both informal and formal. Informal pre-court diversion helps children avoid court and a criminal record by taking part in activities that address the causes of their behaviour and build skills for the future — for example, one-to-one counselling, drug or alcohol… Children arrested for the first time or for less serious offences are less likely to reoffend if they receive support instead of prosecution, new research from the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) shows....

Decriminalising Addiction: What Are the Alternatives?

According to the NHS, addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you. It is possible to become addicted to various things, but for the purpose of this article the focus will be on drug addiction.… By Ellie Cole ...

Sentencing Bill 2025 Introduced to Parliament

The UK Government has introduced the Sentencing Bill 2025. The Sentencing Bill enacts several of the recommendations of the Independent Sentencing Review (ISR) that require legislation.  The ISR was commissioned in October 2024 and was chaired by David Gauke alongside a panel of experts, including a former Lord Chief Justice… By Chris English...

How force's diversion scheme is helping turn around serial shoplifters from re-offending

With the support of the force’s scheme, Nick went into treatment, successfully completed a rehabilitation programme lasting 16 weeks, and has been clean of drugs for more than 18 months since engaging with the project. It has also helped him to reconnect with his family, partner, and children and get… Former heroin user and prolific shoplifter Nick is now turning his back on criminality through Nottinghamshire Police's Open 2 Recovery Scheme. ...

Rehabilitating Remotely: The Rise of Online Behavioural Change Programmes in Criminal Justice

Behavioural change programmes are a coordinated set of activities, tasks and approaches that are designed to support people in overcoming unhealthy or unhelpful behaviours, to improve health, safety and wellbeing. Skills are introduced that support the individual in altering their thought processes, beliefs and attitudes and learn skills to cope… By Jake Neller...

Post Separation Abuse: Stalking 

Breaking free from an abusive relationship is a monumental step for any victim. However, for many survivors, escaping an abusive relationship does not mark the end of their suffering and will lead them to face relentless and insidious, post-separation abuse. Post-separation abuse is a pattern of behaviour where the abuser… By Lee Eifflaender...

Role of the Family Liaison Officer (FLO)

The Family Liaison Officer (FLO) plays a deeply human role in some of the most devastating moments of people’s lives. While their primary function is investigative, gathering information and evidence from families, the position demands more than procedure. FLOs are the bridge between the investigative team and a grieving family,… By Michelle Perry ...

Why Out of Court Resolutions are pivotal to addressing the prison and courts crises

Background on the Prison, Probation and Courts Crises in the UK The criminal justice system in England and Wales is facing several crises. Recent statistics warned that prison demand nearly exceeded capacity last summer, prompting emergency prisoner releases to avert collapse of prison operations (Independent Sentencing Review, no date). Whilst… By Steff Edwards ...

Work With Offenders Relaunches as Reflective Practice: A New Chapter in Trauma-Informed Criminal Justice Practice

Work With Offenders has officially relaunched under a new name: Reflective Practice.  This change marks an important step in our mission to provide trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches that reflect the very best of practice in the criminal justice system. The term “offenders” has long carried a label that we feel does… By Martin Jerrold...

Lack of job opportunities driving reoffending among ex-prisoners, new survey claims

The study, which came from the IT asset disposal comany that runs prisoner support programmes to help develop new skills among ex-convicts, found that three in four prisoners (74 percent) believe it will be difficult or extremely difficult to secure a job interview after their release from prison. And only… The DSA Connect survey has revealed that severe employment barriers facing people who criminal records is fueling the number of convicts who reoffends....