Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Team – Information Leaflet

You have recently come into contact with the police and we understand you may have worries and problems about your situation.

We can help people of all ages from 10 years upwards.

People who come into contact with the police can face other challenges such as health problems and difficulties at work, education and training.

Liaison and Diversion aims to support people to identify their difficulties and access services that will help them.

Liaison and Diversion is a national service provided by NHS England available to people who have had contact with the police.

The Liaison and Diversion Service works with people when they come into contact with the criminal justice system.

Liaison and Diversion aims to improve the overall health outcomes for people and reduce contact with the police in future.

We are not part of any police investigation.

The Liaison and Diversion Service offers brief assessments of health and social needs for people passing through the Criminal Justice System, including:

• Mental health
• Stress/depression
• Worry/anxiety
• Drug and alcohol use
• Housing situation
• Self harm
• Thoughts of suicide
• Autism
• Learning Difficulties
• Ability to understand the Criminal Justice Process
• Any other health and social needs

This brief assessment is usually completed at the time you come into contact with the Police, however for children and youths this is not always possible and so on these occasions an alternative appointment can be offered.

If we recommend referral to support services, with your consent we can make these referrals for you. We can also support you to attend any appointments.

With your consent we will share information with support services we refer to or any services you are already working with.

If you choose, we can share information with the courts to help them make their decision.

When will we share information without your consent?
If we identify safeguarding concerns or immediate risks to yourself or others.

Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Team
St Nicholas Hospital
Jubilee Road
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3XT
Tel: Tel:0191 246 7275
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:
• talk to the people directly involved in your care
• ask a member of staff for a feedback form, or complete a form on the Trust website www.cntw.nhs.uk (click on the ‘Contact Us’ tab)
• telephone the Complaints Department 0191 245 6672
• email [email protected] Please note that information sent to the Trust via email is sent at your own risk
• We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention.
You can provide feedback in the following ways:
– the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at
www.cntw.nhs.uk/poy
– complete a Points of You survey, available from staff.

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. if you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre Tel: 0191 246 7288

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2023 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref, PIC/704/0323 March 2023 V5
www.cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2026