The Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP) funds the Custody Navigator scheme, and Sefton Council delivers it. The scheme places trauma-informed youth workers (Custody Navigators) in police custody suites to support children aged 10 to 17. After a positive independent evaluation, the scheme is now expanding.
Details
The scheme began as a pilot at Copy Lane Custody Suite in Sefton in March 2025. It supported around 150 young people in its first year.
Navigators:
- meet children in custody, offer emotional and practical support and help them understand what is happening;
- follow up with a call within 24 hours, visit the home in the first week and provide ongoing support; and
- give information and reassurance to parents and carers.
The scheme works with Merseyside Police, Sefton Youth Justice Service and NHS Liaison and Diversion teams.
Liverpool John Moores University's evaluation found that:
- 84% of children accepted support in custody;
- 65% of those children continued to engage with community services after release; and
- 25% of the children were looked after, 52% had social care involvement and 63% had identified disability or health needs.
The scheme is being expanded in Sefton and was due to be rolled out to Wirral's custody suite from August 2026.
Commentary
The scheme responds to a recognized gap in Child First, trauma-informed provision for children in custody, and that is welcome. However, follow-up for children arrested in the evening or at weekends remains inconsistent. The evaluation's recommendation that Navigators be placed in every Merseyside custody suite deserves support. Navigators add to statutory safeguards such as appropriate adults and legal advice, but do not replace them. Practitioners should make sure the child gives informed consent to any referral and should record the referral in the attendance note. They should also consider relying on the Navigator's involvement when making representations about diversion or bail.
For a related development, see YJLC's update on Merseyside Youth Court Solutions.