St Helens Borough Council approves 2025/26 Annual Youth Justice Plan

Article date: 17 December 2025

The plan, developed in partnership with the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, sets out a clear vision and priorities for the year ahead, focusing on prevention, rehabilitation, and community safety.

Under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, all local authorities are required to produce an annual Youth Justice Plan. St Helens' latest plan, submitted to the Youth Justice Board in September, received positive feedback for its clarity, strong visual presentation, and inclusion of children's voices. The Board commended the plan's strategic alignment and its innovative approach to engaging young people and families.

Welcoming the report, Councillor Nova Charlton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

"This plan demonstrates our unwavering commitment to giving every child in St Helens the best possible start in life. By focusing on prevention, partnership, and listening to young people, we are tackling the root causes of offending and creating safer, stronger communities. I am proud of the work our Youth Justice Service does every day to change lives for the better."

Key Priorities for 2025/26 The plan outlines a series of priorities designed to improve outcomes for children and young people while reducing offending and re-offending. These include:

• Strengthening partnership arrangements across agencies.
• Embedding trauma-informed and child-first approaches in all practice.
• Expanding diversionary activities to prevent crime.
• Supporting vulnerable groups, including looked-after children and those with special educational needs.
• Promoting restorative justice and victim engagement.
• Listening to and acting on feedback from children and young people

Funding and Resources 

The delivery of the plan will be achieved within existing budgets, with no additional financial implications for the Council. The Youth Offending Service is funded through a combination of Council resources (£732,880), a core grant from the Youth Justice Board (£432,292), and partner contributions (£125,014), bringing the total budget to £1.36 million. An additional £68,348 has been secured through the Turnaround Project to support children on the cusp of the youth justice system.

Commitment to Equality and Community Safety 

The Youth Justice Service is committed to fairness and equality, monitoring diversity profiles to ensure that outcomes are proportionate and inclusive. By focusing on prevention and rehabilitation, the plan aims to empower young people to make positive changes, reduce crime, and build safer communities. Restorative justice initiatives will also enhance victim satisfaction and confidence in the criminal justice system.

Health and Wellbeing 

Recognising the link between wellbeing and offending, the service provides comprehensive health assessments and interventions, including support for substance misuse through co-located specialist teams.

Looking Ahead 

The plan reflects St Helens' ongoing ambition to deliver effective, evidence-based youth justice services. By working collaboratively with partners and listening to the voices of young people, the Council aims to create opportunities for change and ensure that every child has the chance to reach their potential.