youth justice
Councils are approving Youth Justice Plans focusing on preventing re-offending and improving outcomes for young people.
Croydon Council's Cabinet approved a new Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27 in September 2026, aiming to reduce re-offending among young people aged 10 to 18. The plan notes Croydon's proven re-offending rate is 29.1%, which is lower than London and national averages. Hounslow Council also approved its revised Youth Justice Plan for 2024-2027 in September 2026, emphasising a preventative approach and reporting no custodial sentences for young people in 2025-26.
Havering Council approved its Youth Justice Plan for 2026-27 in July 2026, focusing on evaluating services based on their impact on children and families. Barnet Council's Youth Justice Plan for 2025-2027, highlighted in July 2026, shows a re-offending rate of 28.6% and a 0% custody rate. Croydon's Full Council is scheduled to recommend approval of its Youth Justice Plan in December 2026.
Youth Justice Plans outline strategies for local youth justice services, which are the system and processes involved in dealing with young offenders. These plans are often statutory requirements linked to grant funding, aiming to improve outcomes for young people who come into contact with the law.
Key facts
- Croydon Council's Cabinet approved a new Youth Justice Plan for 2026/27 in September 2026. Source
- Croydon's proven re-offending rate for children supported by the Youth Justice Service is 29.1%. Source
- Hounslow Council approved a revised Youth Justice Plan for 2024-2027 in September 2026. Source 1 Source 2
- In Hounslow, no custodial sentences were issued for young people involved with the Youth Justice Service in 2025-26. Source 1 Source 2
- Barnet's Youth Justice Plan for 2025-2027 shows a re-offending rate of 28.6% and a 0% custody rate. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.