Seen, Heard, Diverted is a three-year project in Greater Manchester that aims to reduce the number of neurodivergent children entering the criminal justice system.
The programme will work directly with neurodivergent young people to identify where systemic and professional responses need to change.
It will use their experiences to develop resources for young people and parents and carers, as well as practical tools for professionals across the justice system.
Matthew Claughton, Managing Director, Olliers Solicitors, said: “In criminal defence work, we see the consequences of misunderstanding every week.
“A young person who avoids eye contact, struggles to sit still in an interview, or finds it difficult to explain themselves under pressure can be seen as evasive or unremorseful, when what’s actually happening is that their neurodivergence hasn’t been recognised.
“By the time we’re involved, the damage can already be done.
“This programme gives us an opportunity to intervene much earlier.”
Families will be able to access co-produced resources, including videos, downloadable information, and practical tools designed to help them understand and navigate the justice system.
Damian Dallimore, Assistant Director, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Director of the GM Violence Reduction Unit, said: “The overrepresentation of neurodivergent people in prison and the criminal justice system is something that has long been known and yet improvements have often been slow or in pockets of good practice rather than systemic.
“The challenge of changing this is a big one but is one we are very much keen to address.
“The coming together of a range of partners from across public, private, and voluntary sectors is particularly exciting and I can’t wait for us to see the impact of our work.”
The first year of the programme will focus on listening, design, and testing.
A group of neurodivergent young people with lived experience will work directly with the partnership to shape the development of resources, tools, and training.
The scheme is being supported by a strategic partnership including the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Greater Manchester Police, Olliers Solicitors, the Greater Manchester Youth Network, and organisations from the youth justice and charity sectors.
Partners will meet later this year to review progress and agree on next steps.
Source: www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk
