PCC ‘privileged’ at Derbyshire’s inclusion in trailblazing national pilot to prevent youth crime and violence

Derbyshire has been chosen as one of only three national non-Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) pathfinder areas in the country to lead the Young Futures pilot from October 2025 to March 2026.

The new government pilot aims to prevent young people from being drawn into crime, anti-social behaviour, and serious violence, and is being delivered by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Derbyshire Constabulary and other partners.

The PCC has secured around £300k to roll out the pilot and will be working closely with Derbyshire Constabulary, both Derby and Derbyshire Youth Justice Services and Remedi, who provide victim services on behalf of the Commissioner, on the scheme.

Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said she was proud that her office and key partners had been selected to trial the Government’s Young Futures Prevention Partnership Panels scheme as part of trailblazing work to prevent children entering the criminal justice system. 

Young Futures Prevention Panels are a government initiative aimed at reducing serious youth violence, knife crime, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and violence against women and girls (VAWG). 

The panels bring together professionals from different services to identify and support children and young people aged 10-17 who may be at risk of being drawn into crime and ASB. 

Derbyshire is one of only three national non-Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) pathfinder areas to lead the Young Futures pilot from October 2025 to March 2026. 

Its role in the trial will shape how the programme is developed and potentially expanded across the country from April 2027. 

Focused on early intervention, the pilot will support children before they become involved in crime, targeting those who may be overlooked by existing services. These could include being involved in low-level offences or showing signs of vulnerability. 

The approach is designed to reduce demand on police and emergency services by tackling the root causes of crime. 

Panels might choose to address key risks such as drug misuse and exploitation including involvement in county lines drug dealing. 

Children showing early signs of alcohol or drug misuse will be identified and offered support. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said: “I am privileged Derbyshire has been selected to pilot this important national project. It is proof that the work we are doing locally to prevent and tackle youth crime, ASB and serious violence is valued, and that ministers have confidence in our approach towards early intervention. 

“Serious Violence including VAWG is a priority for all residents in Derbyshire. This is why it features as one of six pillars of focus in my Police and Crime Plan. This pilot will cement the strong partnerships already in place locally to address the precursors to crime, ASB and violence, and will create further opportunities to support children and young people, and any underlying problems they are experiencing, to help them change course and achieve their fullest potential.

“I am proud of our role in this project and look forward to sharing further details in the future.”

Temporary Chief Superintendent James Thompson, said: “All too often officers and staff see first-hand the devastating impact of serious violence and I am pleased that Derbyshire has been chosen to pilot this scheme.

“Across the county good work is already being undertaken to help prevent young people from becoming involved in behaviour that may put them at risk of being both a victim and a perpetrator of serious violence – and I have no doubt that the strong working relationships between the force and partners will help make this a success.”

Although the specific interventions are yet to be agreed, the panels will work with local services to provide access to a range of diversionary and early interventions. These could include drug and alcohol treatment, mental health support and mentoring/positive activities. 

Panels will meet regularly to review referrals and agree on support plans.