When a child commits an offence in some cases, it may be most appropriate to divert or ‘triage’ them away from the criminal justice system entirely and work with the child, family and victim through more informal ways to address their needs and prevent further offending. There is no one method of working with children to divert them.
Generally, if a child has been ‘triaged’ or diverted but becomes involved in further offences it may be appropriate to consider an out of court disposal or charge.
Out-of-court disposals can be used for children who have admitted an offence, but it is not in the public interest to prosecute as it is not always appropriate for children that commit a crime to be sent to Court. It may be appropriate for the Police and Youth Offending Teams to consider an Out of Court disposal.
