The number of young people entering the criminal justice system in Hertfordshire continues to fall, with county leaders crediting strong partnership working between police, councils, schools and support services.

New figures released by Hertfordshire County Council show the county's Youth Justice Service has continued to reduce first-time entrants into the youth justice system while also helping to cut reoffending through early intervention and targeted support.

The service works with children and young people who have offended, or are at risk of offending, bringing together professionals from Hertfordshire Constabulary, children's services, education, health, probation and the voluntary sector to address the underlying causes of offending.

County councillors heard that the partnership approach is delivering positive results by identifying vulnerable young people earlier and offering tailored support before problems escalate.

The Youth Justice Service focuses on helping children remain in education, improving family support, tackling mental health issues where needed and reducing the risk of exploitation by gangs or county lines criminals.

Hertfordshire County Council said the service's success is built on agencies sharing information and working together to provide coordinated interventions, with the aim of preventing young people from becoming repeat offenders.

The latest update also highlights the importance of diversion programmes, which help young people avoid formal criminalisation where appropriate while still being supported to address their behaviour.

The county's approach mirrors wider national efforts to intervene earlier in young people's lives, with the Government placing greater emphasis on prevention and early support to steer children away from crime.

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Hertfordshire has also expanded opportunities for young people to influence crime prevention policy through initiatives such as the Hertfordshire Youth Commission, giving residents aged 14 to 25 a direct voice in policing and community safety priorities.

The Youth Justice Service will continue working with partners across the county to build on the progress, with early intervention and safeguarding remaining central to its approach.