This report is based on quantitative and qualitative data gathered as part of an evaluation of the Diversion Programme, undertaken by the University of Suffolk between January and October 2017. The evaluation demonstrates considerable support toward the Diversion Programme and its aims, the dedication of the SYOS practitioners in delivering effective interventions for young people, and the integrated decision-making process across teams.
 Narratives across all stakeholders portray support for the Diversion Programme and its aims, including YOS practitioners, police officers, early help teams, young people and their parents/carers
 Young people and parents reported gratitude for the support and personalised approach to intervention provided by SYOS
 Findings indicate YOS practitioners are highly positive about management’s understanding of the Diversion Programme and the efficacy of joint decision making
 The nature and the structure of the Diversion Programme is designed to be appropriate to level of need and risk of young people, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
 A total of 819 referrals were made to SYOS for out-of-court disposals (OoCD) and prevention from October 2016 to September 2017, a 12.7% increase in overall referrals since the previous year
 The number of referrals received was evenly distributed across regions, suggesting a consistent approach to implementation across the county
 A total of 468 (56%) OoCD and preventative referrals received non-statutory diversion (crime or non-crime) disposal outcomes. Of these, only 12% went on to offend, thus potentially reducing the number of FTE’s into the YJS
 The young people on the Diversion Programme who completed the intervention or are on an ongoing intervention were less likely to offend after referral than those who declined intervention or received a No Further Action
 The Centre for Justice Innovation undertook a cost avoidance analysis and estimated that the programme’s work with Crime Diversion and Community Resolution, referred young people over the period 1 October 2016 to 30 September 2017 that led to approximately £146,741 in costs avoided by the police
 Based on calculations for approximately 242 young people who avoided criminal disposals and their associated costs the Centre for Justice Innovation estimated that by engaging these young people, the programme avoided approximately £158,415 in justice system processing costs
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 Taking into account the costs of running the programme, the Centre for Justice Innovation estimated it produced a net benefit of around £72,915 over the stated period
 More than half of police officers who responded to the survey suggested that they felt that SYOS could keep them better updated with the decision-making and outcomes relating to the young offenders. This was also reflected across interviews.
Overall, the evaluation demonstrates that the county-wide Diversion Programme in Suffolk has had a positive impact on many young people and their families’ lives, as well as receiving universal support from all stakeholders in its aims to reduce the criminalisation of young people.