Buckinghamshire Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2026 to 2029

On behalf of the Partnership Board, I am pleased to present the 2026 to 2029 Youth Justice Plan.

This Youth Justice Plan provides an overview of the Buckinghamshire Youth Justice & Support Team's (YJST) work, setting out key achievements and performance over the last twelve months and identifying our priorities for the next three years. It has been developed in collaboration with children, parents and persons harmed, with a focus on developing priorities that meet the needs of the communities that we support.

Buckinghamshire YJST is committed to supporting all children, communities and persons harmed to access individualised, tailored support that ensures robust intervention in line with the principles of Child First. Over the past year, the service has focused on embedding the Fresh AIR model across all interventions, ensuring that activities focus on identify shift and positive change.

There has been a drive to improve services to persons and communities harmed, with a focus on balancing protection of the public with diversion and early intervention. Our ambition is to work with our children, families, persons harmed and communities to deliver robust intervention whilst supporting them in achieving their full potential. This vision sits alongside the “Cutting Youth Crime. Changing Young Lives” White Paper published in May 2026, which will shape the development of the service over the next 3 years.

As part of the wider Youth Justice partnership in Buckinghamshire, the YJST is responsible for delivering early intervention, diversion and statutory support to children. Staff and partners work collaboratively to achieve their National Indicators of 1) Reducing First Time Entrants, 2) Reducing Reoffending and 3) Reducing the Use of Custody, alongside the 10 Key Performance Indicators.

This plan provides a summary of the progress made and sets out the strategic priorities for 2026-2029. These include:

• Working with persons and communities harmed to develop an enhanced service
• Developing opportunities for positive change in children
• Supporting children to stay in suitable education

The YJST has continued to perform well against National Indicators, which is a testament to the strength of collaborative working with partners and the strong relationships built with children and families, leading to positive outcomes. The service is supported through a committed and engaged Partnership Board, representing both statutory and voluntary organisations, who provide oversight, development and scrutiny.

As always, the Partnership Board is extremely grateful for the skill and dedication of all those working in this arena.

Errol Albert, Interim Corporate Director, Children’s Services