A deferred prosecution is where the police have the option to put on hold prosecuting someone until they complete an agreed programme of diversionary activity within a specified period of time.
If the child successfully completes the activity the matter will be resolved by outcome 23, which is a no further action outcome. If they do not, the police have the option to charge them to court.
A deferred prosecution does not require the child to make an admission of guilt or an acceptance of responsibility.
A deferred caution will sometimes be included under the overall banner of a deferred prosecution.