Almost 17% drop in young people reoffending across Wirral
Young people reoffending in Wirral has fallen by almost 17% over the past two years, highlighting the positive impact of support and prevention work across the borough.
The findings are highlighted in the Wirral Youth Justice Service (YJS) Annual Plan 2026/27, which is due to be considered by members of the Children, Young People and Education Committee.
Wirral YJS is a partnership involving Wirral Council, Merseyside Police, the Probation Service and local health services.
The latest figures show reoffending among young people decreased by 4% between April 2023 and March 2024. This followed a 12.83% reduction in the previous 12 months, bringing the overall decrease in youth reoffending in Wirral to 16.83% across the two-year period.
The report also highlights continued progress in preventing children from entering the criminal justice system for the first time.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, the number of first-time entrants fell to 141 per 100,000 children and young people. This was lower than the average for Merseyside, the North West and England and Wales.
The annual plan sets out how the service will continue to build on its prevention-first approach to help more young people stay away from crime and reach their full potential.
Among the key initiatives is the Wirral Young Futures Prevention Panel, which brings organisations together to identify children who may be at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour or crime. By sharing information and coordinating support, partners can intervene earlier and help prevent problems from escalating.
The Custody Navigator scheme is also helping to improve outcomes for young people who come into contact with the police. The programme supports children and young people while they are in custody, helping them build trusted relationships with trained youth workers who can continue to provide support after their release and connect them with services that can make a positive difference.
Meanwhile, Operation Inclusion works with children already known to the Youth Justice Service and supports them and their families to make positive and lasting changes.
The Government's Turnaround Programme has also helped more than 300 young people in Wirral who were considered at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.
Councillors will hear that by focusing on early intervention and support rather than punishment, Wirral's Youth Justice Service is helping children and young people build safer, healthier and more positive futures, while reducing the likelihood of future offending.
The Wirral Youth Justice Service Annual Plan 2026/27 will be considered at a meeting of the Children, Young People and Education Committee at Wallasey Town Hall on Monday 21 September.
