Triage: line or nets? Early intervention and the youth justice system

Soppitt, Sarah; Irving, Adele

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of the value of early diversion schemes, underpinned by the principles of restorative justice (RJ), for First Time Entrants (FTEs) into the criminal justice system (CJS).

Design/methodology/approach
The paper focuses specifically on the findings of a 12-month study into the introduction of “Triage” by one Youth Offending Team (YOT) in the northeast of England.

Findings
Re-offending data suggested that Triage is more effective in reducing re-offending than conventional justice practices, due to the restorative nature of the scheme. However, the qualitative data raised a number of issues, particularly relating to problems of “net-widening” and the impact of recording processes on young people's desistance, as well as the role of victim engagement in the process. These issues could undermine the long-term effectiveness of Triage and its successful application within other youth justice contexts.

Originality/value
The paper aims to contribute further understanding regarding the impacts of RJ practices on reducing re-offending compared to traditional processes, and in particular, consider the role of implementation issues in the production of outcomes and impacts.

Citation

Soppitt, S., & Irving, A. (2014). Triage: line or nets? Early intervention and the youth justice system. Safer Communities, 13(4), 147-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/sc-08-2014-0013

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Oct 13, 2014
• Deposit Date: May 14, 2024
• Journal: Safer Communities
• Print ISSN: 1757-8043
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 147-160
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/sc-08-2014-0013