In a stark analysis of the experience of local youth offending teams (YOTs) and the wider system, John Drew said advances in numbers of first-time entrants, custody levels and reductions in re-offending are being "threatened".
Addressing delegates at the annual youth justice convention in Brighton, he said: "I need to use this platform to sound a clear warning, both to central government and local funders, that while we understand the predicament facing all public services, some of these cuts are going too far.
"Do not presume you can cut youth justice to the core, water down its organisational focus, and yet believe it will still deliver on reducing youth offending. Proceed with extreme care."
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