Early evidence suggests the LAP is steering children away from custody
A new independent evaluation report found promising early evidence that the London Accommodation Pathfinder (LAP) has a lower recorded reoffending rate compared to the national average for children leaving custody.
The evaluation makes clear that the findings are indicative rather than conclusive, due to the small number of children involved and limitations in the available data, so results should be treated with caution.
Funded by the Youth Justice Board (YJB), the LAP was launched to tackle the unacceptable over-representation of Black and Mixed heritage children on remand and in the youth justice system, while providing children with better outcomes and offering better long-term protection for the public.
The LAP supports 16 or 17-year-old boys with Black or Mixed heritage by housing them in a more appropriate, effective setting in the community. This is a direct alternative for children who are either on remand or facing a custodial sentence.
Key evaluation highlights include:
- The evaluation found promising early signs that the LAP may help reduce reoffending. Of the LAP children included in the reoffending analysis, 26% were later found guilty of another offence. The national reoffending rate for children leaving custody is 61.7%, but the report makes clear that the LAP findings are based on a very small sample and should be treated with caution.
- Post-LAP data indicates promising reductions in arrests, convictions, and court events. The report also indicated the potential for significant cost savings per child.
- The LAP successfully removed or shortened the time that the Black and Mixed heritage children who stayed there spent in custody. Critically, this was achieved with no reported risks or harm to the public or victims and helped to reduce their exposure to the harmful negative effects of custody.
A core pillar of the initiative’s success is its therapeutic design. By being psychologically informed, the LAP aims to address the intense challenges and complex traumatic experiences these children face. The initiative focuses heavily on improving mental health, building self-esteem, and developing crucial employability skills, which ultimately contributes to the drastic reduction in reoffending.
Through the LAP, children are actively supported to participate in education, training placements, apprenticeships, and tuition to gain qualifications. This is sustained by a comprehensive wraparound package delivered in partnership with local authorities, sports partnerships, third sector providers, and health services.
To build on this success, the evaluation recommends expanding the model across a wider pan-London footprint to optimise bed occupancy, integrating a single shared data system for all support professionals, and further embedding these trauma-informed practices directly into daily housing operations.
Steph Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the YJB, said:
I am pleased to share the Final Report of the London Accommodation Pathfinder (LAP) evaluation. Funded by the YJB, the LAP directly tackles the unacceptable over-representation of Black and Mixed heritage children on remand and in the youth justice system, delivering better outcomes for children and stronger long-term protection for the public.
Operating under a ‘Child First’ evidence base and decision-making framework, the LAP provides an invaluable safe community-based alternative to custody for 16 and 17-year-old boys. Within this report, we now have promising early evidence that by investing in community-based alternatives we can support children grow into positive adults. The report also identified the LAPs ability to deliver significant cost savings compared to custody, while protecting the public. I am confident that the LAP shows real potential in reducing offending, making communities safer, and preventing future victims.
Read the London Accommodation Pathfinder 2nd evaluation
Notes to editors
- The London Accommodation Pathfinder 2nd Evaluation Final Report was authored by Dr. James Alexander, Dr. Angie Phoenix, and Dr. Will Hughes of London Metropolitan University, published on March 13, 2026.
- Almost two thirds of children on remand do not go on to receive a custodial sentence despite being exposed to the trauma of custody. The evidence tells us that children who are prematurely brought into contact with the justice system are more likely to go on to reoffend. Black children are nearly twice as likely to receive a custodial remand compared to White children Ethnic disproportionality in remand and sentencing in the youth justice system 2021
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