Since 2023, a Custody Navigator pilot scheme has been operating in Cleveland Police’s main custody suite in Middlesbrough.
The scheme aims to work primarily with young people aged 10 to 25 when they have entered the criminal justice system via police custody.
The work of the navigators will complement the work of Cleveland’s Youth Justice Services (YJS) – in particular its Turnaround programme.
Navigators work with young people in custody to see if they want to turn things around – at what CURV believes is a ‘reachable, teachable’ moment in their lives.
They discuss any issues in the young person’s life and signpost them to support services, that can assist with problems like substance misuse, housing, education and employment.