More children in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are being supported to stay out of the justice system and make positive changes to their lives, according to the Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service (DCYJS) Youth Justice Plan 2026/27.
The Youth Justice Plan, which was approved by Full Council on Tuesday, highlights a reduction in the number of first-time entrants to the youth justice system, improved support for children at risk of exclusion and programmes that help young people repair the harm caused by offending.
The Re-Engage programme, which works with children at risk of school exclusion, has also been recognised nationally with inspectors highlighting its proactive, school-based model that aims to prevent children entering the youth justice system altogether.
The plan also highlights the impact of the Repairing the Harm programme, which gives young people opportunities to make a positive contribution to their communities while helping to repair the harm caused by offending.
Through work with local community partners, young people have taken part in practical projects and fundraising activities that benefit charities, community groups and local spaces.
Councillor Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills, said:
"This report shows the real progress being made and the difference it is making to young lives and the wider community. We know that no single organisation can tackle youth offending alone, which is why collaboration is so important. By bringing together the right support at the right time, we're helping more children and young people stay on track, fulfil their potential and play a positive role in their communities."
David Webb, Head of Service for Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service, said:
"Our focus is on helping children achieve a better future while keeping communities safe. The sustained reduction in young people entering the youth justice system for the first time shows the value of early intervention and partnership working. Projects such as Re-Engage and Repairing the Harm are helping children build confidence, develop new skills and give something back to the community."
Key achievements over the past year include:
The number of first-time entrants to the youth justice system in BCP fell to 56 children in 2025/26, down from 104 in 2019/20, with reductions sustained since 2023/24.
The Re-Engage programme received 152 referrals from schools across Dorset and BCP, with assessments finding that 78% of children had previously unidentified speech, language and communication needs.
More than 29% of children assessed through Re-Engage were found to have significant communication needs, such as Developmental Language Disorder, enabling schools to put support in place earlier.
The service expanded its network of community partners and now works with 12 organisations across Dorset and BCP, providing more opportunities for children to make a positive contribution to their communities.
Repairing the harm
The service has expanded its Repairing the Harm programme, giving young people opportunities to make amends through practical projects that support local communities.
Working with 12 community organisations, children have taken part in activities ranging from gardening and environmental projects to woodworking and community fundraising. More than £2,000 was raised through the sale of items made by young people, with proceeds donated to local charities and community groups chosen, where possible, by victims affected by youth offending.
Recent projects have included building animal habitats at Upton Country Park and creating handmade items which were sold to raise money for local charities and community groups.
The plan also reports that while challenges remain, the number of first-time entrants to the youth justice system across Dorset and BCP has fallen for the sixth consecutive year, with a significant reduction in BCP sustained since 2023/24.
Looking ahead, the Youth Justice Service will continue building on its preventative approach, working closely with schools, communities and partners to help more children stay on track, fulfil their potential and make positive contributions to their communities.
