Scheme to support vulnerable children in police custody set to expand after successful pilot
29.06.26 - Merseyside
A pioneering programme supporting vulnerable children in police custody is being expanded across Merseyside following a successful pilot.
The Custody Navigator programme sees trained trauma-informed youth workers based in police custody suites offering support to children, from across Merseyside, aged 10 to 17.
At what is often a moment of crisis, Custody Navigators are there to ensure young people feel safe, listened to and understand what is happening when they are detained, while providing immediate emotional support, reassurance and advocacy.
By focusing on the underlying causes of behaviour, including trauma, bereavement, exploitation and mental health challenges, the Custody Navigators are able to support a young person and build a greater rapport with them, gaining their trust. They also link in with Youth Justice teams and other services to ensure early safeguarding and to provide wraparound support.
The Custody Navigator’s support does not stop when a child leaves custody. They also follow-up with a call within 24 hours, carry out home visits in the first week and provide ongoing support to help young people stay connected to services that can support them in the longer term.
Funded by the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP) and delivered by Sefton Council, the programme has been piloted in Copy Lane Custody Suite in Sefton since March 2025.
In its first year, the programme has supported around 150 young people, with many of those not returning to custody, highlighting the value of early, trauma-informed intervention at a critical ‘reachable moment’.
An independent evaluation by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has now found that 84% of children accepted Navigator support while in custody and, of those, 65% have continued to engage with community-based services following their release. Feedback from young people, families and partners has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly in relation to building trust and reducing distress.
Following the success of the scheme in its first year, the Custody Navigator programme is now being expanded in Sefton and is set to be rolled out in Wirral custody suite from August 2026.
Custody Navigator at Copy Lane Custody Suite, Chelsea Rutherford, said: “Being a Custody Navigator allows me to make a meaningful and lasting difference at a pivotal moment in a young person’s life, ensuring they feel heard, valued and understood, while also advocating for families who are often navigating complex challenges.
“In the communities we serve, where deprivation can shape opportunities, being able to support individuals through their struggles and empower them to move forward is incredibly important.
“Making a huge difference, to me, is about building trust, creating safe spaces and helping young people see that their circumstances do not define their future.”
To support the work of the Custody Navigators, a new trauma-informed cell has also been created which has been designed to be calmer and provide a more supportive space to help reduce anxiety and distress for children.
Children who come into custody often have significant and complex needs. The independent review carried out by LJMU found:
• 25% of children were looked after.
• 52% had social care involvement.
• 63% had identified disability or health needs, with ADHD the most common.
The findings show that for many young people, contact with the criminal justice system is often linked to wider challenges in their lives.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell said: “Too often, when a child enters custody, we are seeing the consequences of trauma, exploitation and adverse experiences that have led them down a negative path. This programme is about recognising that and responding differently.
“By providing tailored support using trusted youth workers at this critical point, we can help young people feel understood, connect them to the right services and support them to make safer, more positive choices.
“The success of the pilot in Sefton clearly demonstrates the impact of early intervention, and the feedback we’ve been hearing from Custody teams and Youth Justice partners is amazing; the Navigators are making a real difference to the experience of children, ensuring they feel supported at a critical point.
“Crucially this appears to be helping to prevent young people from re-offending and turning them towards a brighter future.
“I am delighted to see this important work expanding into Wirral, ensuring more children across Merseyside receive the support they need at the right time.”
Merseyside Police, Chief Inspector for Custody, Leanne Hobin said: “Older offenders continue to draw vulnerable young people into organised criminal activity, leaving many at risk of exploitation.
With the right intervention, however, those entering custody have a genuine opportunity to change the course of their lives.
The introduction of Custody Navigators has provided vital support at a crucial time for young people in custody. Since the pilot launched, Navigators have rapidly embedded themselves within the custody suite, building strong relationships with staff and engaging directly with young people at a point when their future direction can be most effectively influenced.
“This initiative is focused on reducing reoffending, safeguarding the futures of the young people involved and strengthening the communities they return to.”
Sharon Brownlow, Youth Justice Lead at the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership said: “This programme shows what can happen when we take a different approach. By recognising the impact of trauma and working together across services, we are able to intervene earlier, reduce risk and help children move towards more positive futures.
“The expansion into Wirral is an important step forward, and we remain committed to embedding trauma-informed practice across the whole youth justice system.”
The programme is delivered in close partnership with Merseyside Police, Sefton Youth Justice Service and NHS Liaison and Diversion teams, ensuring a joined-up, holistic response.