The London-based Divert programme is run by the Milestone Foundation in collaboration with the Metropolitan police.
Following positive evaluation from a pilot in Brixton and grants totalling £75,000, the programme is to be expanded into Tower Hamlets.
Of the 116 young people that took part in the Brixton pilot, 38 are in employment and 76 are undertaking training or an apprenticeship.
Taking into account the £65,000 cost to imprison an offender, the Milestone Foundation estimates that the Brixton pilot has saved the taxpayer £11.23m.
The scheme works by deploying an adviser to visit young offenders taken into police custody. This initial visit gauges their interest in the programme and then helps to signpost specific support. This includes help finding work, tackling drug addiction as well as housing issues.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
