Embarrassing custody rates require creative solutions

The plan to test out new ways of diverting young people away from youth custody in four areas is therefore most welcome. Under the proposals, pathfinder areas will potentially receive millions of pounds from central government budgets in return for cutting the use of custody over two years. The funding structure will incentivise local authorities to identify young people on the cusp of crime and divert them away, and develop creative alternatives to youth custody, such as dedicated academy schools for young offenders.

While such creativity is encouraging, the initiative faces the same challenges as any other payment-by-results scheme. Most notably, will the target to reduce the number of "bed nights" young people spend in custody lead youth offending teams to concentrate their energies on working with those most likely to change their ways, and give up on those mostly likely to go into custody?