Team Leader, Youth Justice Services
Diversion from Prosecution (DfP) 16&17 Year Olds is fundamental to One Glasgow and the Whole Systems Approach for young people alleged to have been involved in offending behaviour. Those assessed as suitable for DfP by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Services (COPFS) are referred to our team at Youth Justice Social Work and partners to address the underlying causes of the alleged offending – without requiring the case to progress through court.
DfP provides a more effective, tailored and appropriate intervention to young people who may still be maturing and lacking cognitive development, manifesting in poor problem-solving skills and consequential thinking and who require an increased level of support to change their behaviour. Effective diversion should result in swifter justice than through prosecution, trial and disposal.
Scotland operates a deferred prosecution model, with the final decision on prosecution delayed while support services are delivered. At the conclusion of an agreed period of support, the final decision remains with the Procurator Fiscal.
Diversion can be particularly valuable for young people, avoiding unnecessary involvement in more formal systems. In Glasgow, Community Justice Partners recognise that diversion is the responsibility of a range of partners. Those organisations involved in Diversion from Prosecution also understand the importance of consistent, clear communication between agencies and with individuals referred.
This is the Third full year of the service operating in its current form. It has now been expanded and consists of a Social Work Team Leader and one Part-Time Social Worker, one Full-Time Social worker and support from the Intensive Support & Monitoring Services (ISMS)Team Social Workers if required, for example, young people referred for sexual offences are interviewed and supported by a nominated ISMS team member under the Diversion umbrella.
The past year has saw another increase in the referrals to the service pointing to an upward trajectory (Figure 1).
Figure 1 – Number of Offences Referred – DfP 16 & 17 Year Olds
- The service received 309 offences diversion referrals in the current year.
- The total number of young people were 181 for the 309 offences (some YP had multiple offences)
- The vast majority are males with 142 compared to 39 females (Figure 2).
Figure 2
Total Number of Young People by Gender
Total Young People = 181
The service faced challenges in the past year with COVID restrictions restricting face to face access. This challenge was met with a variety of mediums to allow the continuation of the service.
The Social Work Team conducted interviews by telephone, WhatsApp and other media forums.
Total number of young people successfully completing the process was 53 with another 35 currently working with the intervention teams. At the time of this report 31-3-2021 30 were pending interview.
A number of young people still do not engage, with 34 of referrals not commencing the intervention following an initial screening in 2020/21. This remains a challenge for which we are exploring why and what options we can use to reach those young people. An additional 29 were unsuitable for a variety of reasons.
Diversion is about providing the young person with the opportunity to explore the offence(s) and reflect on their behaviour. It also provides an opportunity to support the young person in other areas of their lives. This could be employment or college, access to health services or other positive destinations. As part of the SW process we have introduced a referral process to employment supports via the Glasgow City Council Sixteen + team.
Offences dealt with under DfP interventions can range from very low level to more serious in nature. Examples from the year include:
- Vandalism 27 referrals
- Possession of Class B Substance 37 Referrals
- Threatening and Abusive Behaviour 64 referrals
- Assault 44 referrals
- Sexual offences 12 referrals
Carrying of Weapons remain low but as with the more serious offences will require a robust intervention.
The service Partners for the year were:
HALT and a Social Worker form the Intensive Services Team provide support and interventions for the more challenging offences.
In addition, the Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (FCAHMS) supported a diversion referral identifying the complex needs of the particular young person. This resulted in a robust support plan and intervention identifying particular needs which would possibly have gone unmet as the young person was not with any services.
The challenge for the next year is to ensure the funding of the 3rd sector agencies to provide the intervention work. The Social Work Intensive Services Team will also conduct some interventions.
This Article, updates on the article provided for the 2019-20 Annual Reporter (Youth Justice at A Glance – Service Highlights which can still be accessed HERE.
*Note from the Editor – Community Justice Glasgow recently provided a briefing note on Diversion from Prosecution (Dfp) for Victims & Witnesses of Crime as part of a consultation. To find out more about DfP you can find that briefing note HERE (Other Useful Resources). If you want to read about the Consultation you can find that in out Article – ENGAGING VICTIMS & WITNESSES.
