Our Liaison and Diversion (L&D) service helps identify and support children and adults who have mental health difficulties, learning disabilities, problems with drug or alcohol use, or other support needs when they come into contact with the criminal justice system.

We work with criminal justice services to identify people's needs early, help them access appropriate support and provide information to help inform decisions about their cases.

What we do

Our team responds to concerns raised by the police, probation services, youth offending teams and court staff.

We identify and assess people's health and support needs as early as possible.

Following an assessment, we can help people access appropriate services, including:

  • Mental and physical healthcare
  • Social care
  • Drug and alcohol treatment.

We also help people access and attend treatment and rehabilitation appointments.

Information from assessments is shared appropriately with relevant agencies to help inform decisions about charges, case management, sentencing and whether someone can be directed towards health or other support services instead of continuing through the criminal justice system.

Our aims

Our service aims to:

  • Improve access to healthcare and support services.
  • Reduce health inequalities.
  • Help people access health or other support services instead of continuing through the criminal justice system, where appropriate.
  • Improve physical and mental health.
  • Help address needs linked to offending behaviour, including drug and alcohol use.
  • Reduce crime and reoffending.
  • Help youth and criminal justice services work more effectively.

Who can access the service?

Our service is for children and adults aged 10 and over who are in contact with the criminal justice system.

We'd like to hear about your experience of our Liaison and Diversion service. Your feedback helps us understand what's working well and where we can improve.

Our surveys are anonymous, so please don't include information that could identify you or a member of staff.

Choose the survey that relates to your most recent contact with us.

If you'd prefer to speak to someone, you can contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).

Contact the Liaison and Diversion service