A new youth justice plan is being unveiled with the aim of cutting the number of young people in Stoke-on-Trent entering the criminal justice system.

Led by Stoke-on-Trent City Council with prosecutors, the police and other partner organisations - the plan will place emphasis on early intervention and prevention to help deter children from falling into a life of crime.

The city council says certain offences, including driving offences, will be dealt with 'out of hours' where possible. There will also be more emphasis on restorative justice, where young people will be brought face-to-face with victims to see the impact of their behaviour.

As well, special efforts will be made to prevent children in care from falling victim to criminal influences.

 Cllr Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for Children's Services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "This new model will assist the service to intervene and support young people before they get entrenched in criminal behaviours.

"We want all young people in our city to thrive and make positive contributions to their communities.

"This all forms part of our plan to improve the well-being of our residents, making a cleaner, greener and safer city for all who live, work and visit here."

 The views of children and families will be considered when developing support services for both the victims and perpetrators of crime. 

The city council says the collaborative approach is already yielding positive results with re-offending rates among young people in Stoke-on-Trent currently at 24.3%, well below the average of 36.5% for similar areas across the country.

The council's Anti-Social Behaviour team says it will continue to work with colleagues from Staffordshire Police to address issues relating to criminal gangs, gang-related issues, anti-social behaviour, knife crime, drug misuse, and illegal off-road bikes.

The plan is set to be approved by the Cabinet at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 14 October.