A national award for the Thames Valley Youth Drug Diversion Scheme
The scheme is an alternative to facing prosecution for under 18s
Thames Valley Police and partners have won a national award for the Youth Drug Diversion Scheme.
The scheme is for under 18s who are found in possession of a small amount of drugs.
It gives them the opportunity to take part in a tailored diversion to address their drug use as an alternative to facing prosecution.
This week the force were announced as the winner of the Policing and Children category at The Howard League for Penal Reform’s annual awards.
The Howard League Community Awards recognise successful schemes that reduce and transform lives for the better.
From a large number of nominations, more than 50 projects from across England, Wales and Scotland were shortlisted for this year's awards, giving them the chance to promote their work on the national stage.
Chief Inspector Jason Kew, Violence Reduction Unit, Drugs, Exploitation and Harm Reduction Lead, said:
“I want to recognise the expertise from a wide range of partners involved in the scheme’s evidenced design, this is fantastic recognition for all of them. But importantly recognising the young people themselves, voluntarily engaging in a programme of drugs education, this award is for each of them.
“We need to change the stigma towards drugs and create a safe environment to self-assess and learn the risks associated with drug use, education is key to positive behaviour change and a reduction in harm.”
Catryn Yousefi, Programmes Manager at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said:
"The Howard League Community Awards celebrate successful projects and pioneers who help people to turn away from conflict with the law and make everyone safer.
"The flood of entries from across the country reveals that many people are working with imagination and enthusiasm, often inventing new approaches that have important lessons for us all.
"Only the very best schemes in the UK are honoured each year and, once again, we were delighted to receive so many high-quality nominations."