We agree with the Ministry of Justice’s priority of diverting children away from the criminal justice system and support early intervention work such as Liaison and Diversion schemes. We are aware that Youth Liaison and Diversion schemes may not be included in the current evaluation taking place of adult liaison and diversion schemes and recommend that the Ministry of Justice commission an evaluation into the effectiveness of Youth Liaison and Diversion schemes. This evaluation should include the number of children who have been diverted away from the criminal justice system as a result of such schemes.