We’re pleased to share the findings of our final evaluation of the Custody Diversion Programme (CDP), commissioned by the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP).

The CDP offers one-to-one, relationship-based mentoring delivered by caseworkers with lived experience, supporting young people aged 10-25 who are at risk of, or already involved in, serious youth violence or offending.

Operating across all five West Yorkshire Police custody suites since 2021, the programme provides a crucial opportunity to engage young people and support them to pursue positive pathways.

About the evaluation

This evaluation builds on Cordis Bright’s earlier work with the CDP. We conducted a mixed-methods impact and process evaluation (August 2024-February 2025) to understand outcomes for young people, system-level impacts, and learning from implementation.

Making a difference

The evaluation found evidence that the CDP is making a meaningful difference in young people’s lives. Through trusted relationships, personalised support, and practical interventions, young people have reported positive changes in their decision-making, wellbeing, and future aspirations. Key areas of impact include:

• Improved decision-making – Young people reported making safer choices, avoiding criminal activity, and distancing themselves from negative peers.
• Increased engagement in education and employment – Young people reported improved school attendance, with some progressing to employment.
• Enhanced emotional wellbeing and resilience – Young people developed stronger coping mechanisms, anger management, and self-confidence.
• Strengthened family and social relationships – Some case studies highlighted improved family communication and social interactions.
• Reduced reoffending and risk-taking behaviours – Among 12 case studies, two-thirds of young people either stopped offending or reduced the frequency/severity of offences after engaging with the CDP.

Wider system impacts

The CDP has the potential to play a valuable role in West Yorkshire’s approach to youth violence reduction. Caseworkers with lived experience are positively influencing perceptions within youth services, showcasing the value of credible, relatable mentors. There were opportunities to strengthen engagement with wider services such as schools, social care, and police to enhance integration into the broader youth support system.

Opportunities to strengthen the programme

The evaluation found emerging evidence that the CDP is making a positive impact on young people at risk of serious youth violence. Its unique approach, centred on caseworkers with lived experience, is widely seen as a key strength.

The report sets out several practical recommendations to maximise impact and sustainability. These include:

• Clarify referral criteria and target group – to ensure appropriate and consistent referrals.
• Strengthen data collection and use – to demonstrate impact and inform service improvement.
• Document the programme model – to support fidelity and scalability.
• Expand engagement with wider services – to build robust referral pathways.
• Clarify the role of caseworkers in custody – balancing access with maintaining the CDP’s independence.

Read the reports

Easy read report on Custody Diversion

Full report on Custody Diversion Programme

If you’d like to discuss the findings or how we can support your organisation’s work on youth violence prevention and diversion, please contact the project director, Matt Irani.