New Initiative Aims to Steer Youth Away from Crime

Jersey Launches Roadmap to Steer At-Risk Youth Toward Safer Futures

The Government of Jersey has introduced a comprehensive plan aimed at supporting children involved with the youth justice system and preventing future criminal behavior.

Known as the Youth Justice Roadmap, the strategy provides guidance for professionals and services working with vulnerable young people, with the goal of helping them build secure and constructive lives.

Authorities across the island—including law enforcement, the Royal and Youth Courts, and the Jersey Youth Service—will collaborate to ensure families and children receive the right support at the right time.

Connétable Richard Vibert, Assistant Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, emphasised the broader impact of the initiative:

“A child diverted from crime is not just a reduction in offending—it’s a family strengthened, a victim restored, and a safer island.”

The roadmap reflects a shift toward a more child-centered approach to justice.

“This is about putting children’s rights at the heart of how we create a safer, more supportive Jersey,” Vibert added. “It’s not just about cutting crime—it’s about creating chances, restoring trust, and ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.”

This effort falls under the Building A Safer Community (BASC) framework, which unites government agencies, emergency responders, courts, charities, and families in a collective mission: to prevent crime and provide coordinated support for young people already in the system.