All young offenders are set to be screened for mental health problems under a ground-breaking scheme for Kensington and Chelsea.
The council, police, NHS and crown prosecution service are working together to put in place an innovative £160,000 pilot project in a bid to cut the number of children entering the justice system.
Under the plans, which have been earmarked for approval by the Royal Borough, every young person who is arrested in the next two years will be assessed using a special mental health questionnaire.
At the moment, 70 young people within the borough are subject to 140 court orders. Three quarters are believed to have mental health issues, learning difficulties, or a drug problem.
If the screening reveals a problem, a special health worker will work with the police and youth offending team to put in place measures to stem bad behaviour.
For those whose crimes are so serious that they must face charges, they will be given mental health support while in bail or in custody. This includes sessions with psychologists.
A report written by the council's family and children's services explained: "These young people are currently being criminalised for mental health and related problems. There is clear local evidence of a group of young people with potentially complex health concerns who are finding their way into the criminal justice system."
It adds that the scheme could reduce the number of children and teenagers who are kept in police custody and will particularly help black youngsters, who the report says 'are more likely to be refused bail that young white male offenders.'
YOUTH OFFENDING IN K & C
* 4,000 borough youngsters are thought to have mental health problems.
* Last year, more than 200 young people came to victim support reporting violent crime.
* 30 teens are subject to 'intensive' prevention measures with the Youth Offending service.
* 35 young people come to the attention of borough police every week.
