Diversion from prosecution scheme

Diversion from prosecution is the referral of an accused person to social work or other agencies, where it is believed that formal criminal justice proceedings are not necessary (i.e. where there is no overriding public interest for a prosecution). The accused is then dealt with through 'diversion schemes' which aim to address underlying causes of offending.

Diversion is designed to prevent individuals being prematurely "up-tariffed" into a custodial sentence. It aims to stop the cycle of offending and punishment before it starts. Particular groups of accused people are targeted by this scheme:

• People with mental health difficulties or learning disabilities

• Drug and alcohol misusers

• Females

• Young people (16 and 17 year olds)