A pioneering partnership approach in Tower Hamlets, led by Tower Hamlets and the City of London Youth Justice Service, has achieved a 50 per cent reduction in children entering the criminal justice system for the first time, marking a significant milestone in improving outcomes for children and young people.
New figures show the rate has fallen from 261 per 100,000 in 2021/22, to 130 per 100,000 in 2025/26, well below both the London average of 183 and the England average of 145 per 100,000.
In real terms, this means the number of children receiving a first criminal record has reduced from 72 in 2021/22 to 36 in 2025/26.
With a youth population of more than 30,000 children aged 10-17, the programme reflects an ambitious commitment to ensuring children and young people are supported to thrive, rather than defined by early mistakes. Notably, no children or young people are currently in custody.
By avoiding a criminal record, children and young people are better able to access opportunities such as employment, education, and training.
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said:
“Reducing the number of children entering the criminal justice system by half is a remarkable achievement, and it speaks to the power of working together to do what is right for our young people.
“Every child deserves the chance to learn from their mistakes without being defined by them for life. By focusing on early intervention, support and accountability, rather than punishment alone, we are helping young people build brighter futures.”
Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Maium Talukdar, said:
“Behind these figures are real children whose futures are being positively transformed. A criminal record can have lifelong consequences, which is why this partnership approach is so important.
“Through close collaboration between police, youth justice, health, education and social care, we are ensuring that children are held accountable for their actions, while also getting the support they need to move forward.”
The success has been driven by a collaborative, early-intervention model that places children’s welfare and long-term futures at its core.
For lower-level offences, such as minor criminal damage or cannabis possession, children and young people are referred directly by police into a partnership-led diversion programme, rather than automatically receiving a criminal record.
Partners across police, health, education, Children Social Care and youth work, led by the Youth Justice Service, work collaboratively on the most appropriate interventions. Children receive tailored support, including speech and language services, mental health support, and targeted intervention programmes.
Tower Hamlets and the City of London Youth Justice Service was also among one of the first London boroughs to pilot Outcome 22, a deferred prosecution scheme that enables children to address their behaviour without formal criminalisation. Following a successful pilot, the approach is being rolled out across London.
Posted on Tuesday 30th June 2026