Barnet Youth Justice Service has reported a significant reduction in first-time entrants into the youth justice system, achieving a 4.6% decrease. This achievement, coupled with a sustained zero custody rate, underscores the effectiveness of the service's preventative and diversionary strategies.
During the 2025-26 period, Barnet Youth Justice Service enhanced its early intervention offer, leading to an increase in diversionary activity from 59 to 70 cases. The service prioritises diverting children away from formal processes and into supportive, strengths-based interventions. The Engage Team plays a key role by providing immediate intervention to 434 children, linking them with relevant services and diversionary opportunities. Specific examples of support provided include free access to Better Gym for 146 children, promoting physical wellbeing and positive use of time, and the awarding of 20 AQA certificates to reinforce participation and skill development.
Additionally, the Turnaround Programme provided early help to 68 children identified as being at risk of entering the youth justice system, focusing on early identification of need and targeted intervention to prevent escalation. The Residential Programme, now in its seventh year, offers intensive, relationship-based support focusing on resilience, life skills, and self-esteem.
The service's commitment to keeping young people out of custody has resulted in a sustained zero custody rate, demonstrating the success of community-based interventions. Barnet also makes effective use of Out of Court Resolutions (OOCRs), with 121 issued in 2025/26, and 80.4% of children not reoffending after these interventions.
The reoffending rate stands at 28.6%, which is below both London and national averages. The report attributes this strong performance to effective partnership working, a wide range of diversionary and rehabilitative interventions, and strong relationship-based practice.
Further details on the service's performance and strategies can be found in the Public reports pack for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 16th July 2026. Public reports pack 16th-Jul-2026 19.00 Overview and Scrutiny Committee.