Purpose

An opportunity has arisen for GMCA to support a cross-sector partnership programme to enable early intervention and improve criminal justice system responds to neurodivergent children and young people. GMCA are seeking to part-fund this programme, with funding also inputted from other organisations.

GMYN, in partnership with Olliers Solicitors, have developed a proposal to help address the overrepresentation of neurodivergent young people in the criminal justice system, and the consequences of late or inappropriate intervention and the trauma this causes.

Neurodivergent young people are disproportionately drawn into the criminal justice system because:
• behaviours are misread as defiance or risk
• communication differences escalate interactions
• young people do not understand their rights or how to respond
• professionals are not consistently equipped to respond appropriately

This leads to avoidable escalation, poorer outcomes and increased demand on already stretched systems.

Seen, Heard, Diverted is a three-year, cross-sector initiative that intervenes earlier and improves how the criminal justice system responds to children and young people. It brings together:
• Youth work and trusted relationships (GMYN)
• Specialist neurodiversity expertise and networks (Respect for All and the GM ND VCSE Collective)
• Frontline legal expertise and credibility (Olliers Solicitors)

It will deliver prevention activity with young people, support for parents and carers, and enable a better system response through provision of resources for professionals.

This proposal and ongoing delivery will be shaped by a steering group, including representatives from GMCA and GMP.

Decision

GMCA Safer & Stronger Communities (Violence Reduction Unit) award a grant of £90,000.00 to Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) for the delivery of a three-year, cross-sector initiative that intervenes earlier and improves how the criminal justice system responds to neurodivergent children and young people.

This represents a £30,000 per annum commitment for 26/27, 27/28, and 28/29, and will be awarded via one multi-year grant agreement covering the period 1st August 2026 – 31st July 2029.