Sometimes, less is more

Drawing upon current research in Northamptonshire, this article argues that the assumption, implicit in recent UK youth justice legislation, that formal criminal justice interventions with early‐stage young offenders will have positive deterrent and rehabilitative effects does not appear to be borne out in practice. It contends that the use of informal diversionary strategies with, low‐level, early‐stage, young offenders may, in fact, have a more positive impact in terms of re‐conviction rates, averting the escalation of ‘deviant careers’, reducing criminal victimisation and cost savings. The article concludes with a discussion of the political and administrative barriers to the implementation of such strategies in English youth justice.