This report from the UK examines the effectiveness of out-of-court disposals and diversion programmes and considers whether there is scope to increase their use. Our research included analysis of the latest evidence and trends, an in-depth study in the Thames Valley Police force area and a nationally representative survey. We concluded that there is a strong case to be made for the expansion of out-of-court sanctions - building on pockets of good practice across England and Wales, the measured work of Youth Offending Teams and an acknowledgement by the public that it is a viable approach to deal with offending by people who are vulnerable.