Youth Justice information leaflets
Out of Court disposals
Types of Out of Court disposals and what they mean
What is a community resolution?
A community resolution is something you can be given by the police because of behaviour you have committed that is against the law. There are two types of community resolution
- Police-led - this is where a police officer gives you a community resolution and may let the youth justice service know, but you will not be contacted by the youth justice service
- Youth justice service-led - the police will issue you a community resolution and will refer you to the youth justice service. The youth justice service will contact you to offer some support to hopefully avoid getting into trouble again
Who is the youth justice service?
We are a team of people who work together to try and support young people to make better choices with their behaviour and avoid getting into trouble with police. Engagement is voluntary.
What do I need to do?
You will be offered appointments each week (unless told otherwise) where you will meet with someone from the youth justice service. Initially, we will speak about what happened and why. We will ask questions about your life including friends, school, lifestyle. This will help us to work out how we can provide some support to help you avoid this behaviour again. You will need to attend appointments as asked to by the youth justice service.
- be on time
- do not attend under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- let your youth justice worker know if you have changed number or address
- let us know if you need to change or cancel an appointment, we may need to ask for proof if you are unable to attend
What if I don’t?
When young people do not agree to work with youth justice service, the police are told. The police may then take this information into account and deal with the young person more harshly if they are in trouble again.
Your rights
If you are unhappy about how you have been treated by the youth justice service you can tell us by:
- speaking to your worker, or a duty worker
- phoning the youth justice service manager
- asking for information on how to make a complaint
What is a youth diversion programme?
The youth diversion programme is given to young people to try and divert them away from criminal behaviour. It is a programme where young people can work with the youth justice service for 16 weeks. You will be asked to sign a contract to agree to work with the youth justice service for this time. Once you have completed this programme, the police will record the offence as having ‘no further action’. If the programme is not completed, then the police will be told and you will receive a more formal outcome.
Who is the youth justice service?
We are a team of people who work together to try and support young people to make better choices with their behaviour and avoid getting into trouble with police.
What do I need to do?
You will be offered appointments each week (unless told otherwise) where you will meet with someone from the youth justice service. Initially, we will speak about what happened and why. We will ask questions about your life including friends, school, lifestyle. This will help us to work out how we can provide some support to help you avoid this behaviour again.
- be on time
- do not attend under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- let your youth justice worker know if you have changed number or address
- let us know if you need to change or cancel an appointment, we may need to ask for proof if you are unable to attend
What if I don’t?
When young people do not agree to work with youth justice service, the police are told. The police may then take this information into account and deal with the young person more formally if they are in trouble again.
Your rights
If you are unhappy about how you have been treated by the youth justice service you can tell us by:
- speaking to your worker, or a duty worker
- phoning the youth justice service manager
- asking for information on how to make a complaint
What is a youth caution?
A youth caution is something you can be given by the police because of behaviour you have committed that is against the law. It is usually given to you at the police station by a police officer. They can give you this caution even without you agreeing to it. The police then tell the youth justice service they have given you this caution so that we can get in touch with you. This is a consequence that can be used to offer you some support to hopefully avoid getting into trouble again.
Who is the youth justice service?
We are a team of people who work together to try and support young people to make better choices with their behaviour and avoid getting into trouble with police.
What do I need to do?
You will be offered appointments each week (unless told otherwise) where you will meet with someone from youth justice service. Initially, we will speak about what happened and why. We will ask questions about your life including friends, school, lifestyle. This will help us to work out how we can provide some support to help you avoid this behaviour again. You will need to attend appointments as asked to by the youth justice service.
- be on time
- do not attend under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- let your youth justice worker know if you have changed number or address
- let us know if you need to change or cancel an appointment, we may need to ask for proof if you are unable to attend
What if I don’t?
The police will be told if young people do not agree to work with the youth justice service. The police will take this information into account and can use this as a reason to give a harsher consequence if you re-offend.
Your rights
If you are unhappy about how you have been treated by the youth justice service you can tell us by:
- speaking to your worker, or a duty worker
- phoning the youth justice service manager
- asking for information on how to make a complaint
What is a youth conditional caution?
A youth conditional caution is something you can be given by the police because of behaviour you have committed that is against the law. The police will give you this rather than sending you to court. It is usually given to you at the police station by a police officer. You will need to sign this as will a parent or carer. Unsigned youth conditional cautions are sent to court to be dealt with. The police then tell the youth justice service they have given you this caution so that we can get in touch with you. This is a consequence that can be used to offer you some support to hopefully avoid getting into trouble again.
Who is the youth justice service?
We are a team of people who work together to try and support young people to make better choices with their behaviour and avoid getting into trouble with police.
What do I need to do?
There will be conditions of this caution you need to complete, for example attending meetings with the youth justice service and doing something to make up for the harm caused by the offence. This will be discussed properly with you by your youth justice service worker. A youth conditional caution is a 20 week programme. You will be offered appointments each week (unless told otherwise) where you will meet with someone from the youth justice service. Initially, we will speak about what happened and why. We will ask questions about your life including friends, school, lifestyle. This will help us to work out how we can provide some support to help you avoid this behaviour again.
You will need to
- attend appointments as asked to by the youth justice service
- be on time
- do not attend under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- let your youth justice service worker know if you have changed number or address
- let us know if you need to change or cancel an appointment, we may need to ask for proof if you are unable to attend
What if I don’t?
The police will be told if young people do not agree to work with the youth justice service. This offence will then be referred to be dealt with in court and you will need to attend court instead. The court will be told that you did not engage.
Your rights
If you are unhappy about how you have been treated by the youth justice service you can tell us by
- speaking to your worker, or a duty worker
- phoning the youth justice service manager
- asking for information on how to make a complaint
Court Orders
What you need to know about going to court, court orders and court reports
What do I need to do?
- Be on time.
- Bring any paperwork you have been asked to bring.
- Dress smartly.
- Take any medications you need with you.
What happens if I miss court?
- The court will ask the police to find and arrest you.
- You might have to stay in a police cell until you go to court.
- You might not get bail in the future.
- Your hearing may start without you and you could miss the opportunity to give your side of the story.
What does being on bail mean?
- If you are let home after being charged, this means you are on bail.
- Bail means you are trusted to behave until you go to court.
- You will be given a day and time to attend court.
- You will receive a bail notice explaining what you need to do.
- The police will give you bail conditions you must follow.
- Ask for help if you don’t understand.
- Breaking the law or bail conditions will get you into more trouble.
- Not attending court is breaking the law and will get you into more trouble.
Do I need a solicitor?
- Yes. Speak to a solicitor as soon as you can.
- Tell the solicitor your side of the story—they will help you in court.
- Your solicitor will help you understand what you need to do.
- There will be a duty solicitor at court who can help you on the day.
- To find a solicitor, call 0845 345 4345 or visit www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk.
What will happen at court?
Tell the court your side of the story. Tell the truth. If you are sorry for what happened, say so. If you plead guilty or are found guilty, the court will decide your sentence. Listen carefully. If you don’t understand something, ask for help.
Who needs to come to court?
You will need your parent or carer to come with you. If they don’t attend, they could get into trouble. If you are over 16, you don’t need a parent or carer with you, but it helps if they are there.
What if I am too ill to go to court?
If you are too ill to attend court, tell the court and your solicitor. You will need a doctor’s note as proof.
What if I have additional needs or disabilities?
If you or your parent/carer need extra help or support, let the court know so they can help.
Your Rights
If you are unhappy about how you have been treated by the youth justice service, you can:
- Speak to your worker or a duty worker
- Phone the youth justice service manager
- Ask for information on how to make a complaint
If you have difficulty understanding this information contact us on 01983 823011
What is a Pre-sentence report?
A pre-sentence report is a report the court asks for when you have pleaded guilty or been found guilty of an offence. It helps the magistrates or judge learn more about you so they can decide on your sentence. One option they may consider is custody.
Fact file: Custody means prison.
Youth detention (custody) is where young people are sent to serve their sentence. There are three types depending on your age, gender, and needs:
- Youth Offending Institute
- Secure Training Centre
- Secure Children’s Home
Who writes the report?
A youth justice service worker writes the report. They will meet with you and your parents or carers. The report will suggest how the court can best deal with you, how likely you are to commit more offences, and how much contact you should have as part of your sentence.
This report takes three to six weeks to write. Other services like social care, health, and education may also be asked for input.
Who is the Youth Justice Service?
We are a team of people who work together to support young people in making better choices and avoiding trouble with the police.
What will the Youth Justice Service worker do?
The worker will give you clear instructions about where and when to meet. During your appointment, they will talk to you about:
- The offence and what happened from your point of view
- How you feel about the offence
- The impact on the victims and how you feel about them
- Your home and family life
- Your education or work
- Other issues like health, drugs and alcohol, lifestyle, or relationships
What do I need to do?
- Attend your appointments and answer questions as best as you can
- Attend court when you are supposed to (a warrant will be issued if you don’t)
- Stay out of trouble
What do my parents or carers need to do?
- Attend one of the appointments and answer questions as best as they can
- Give their views on the offence
- Tell us if they need any support for themselves
Who will see the report?
You will get a copy of the report before your court appearance. It won’t be read out in court, but it will be seen by:
- You
- Your parent or carer
- The solicitors involved
- Court officers
- The magistrates or judge
Your rights
If you are unhappy about how you have been treated by the youth justice service, you can:
- Speak to your worker or a duty worker
- Phone the youth justice service manager
- Ask for information on how to make a complaint
If you have difficulty understanding this information contact us on 01983 823011
What is a Referral Order?
A Referral Order is a sentence given by the court. This can last between three and 12 months. After your court appearance, a youth justice service worker will contact you to arrange a meeting. They will write a report to help decide what kind of support programme is best for you. This will be decided at your panel meeting.
Panel Meeting
Within four weeks of your court appearance, you will have a panel meeting. This usually includes:
- Youth justice service workers
- Youth justice service volunteers
- Your parents or carers
This meeting is to agree on a contract made up of programmes and support to help you stay out of trouble. Review panel meetings will be held every three months.
Who is the Youth Justice Service?
We are a team of people who work together to support young people in making better choices and avoiding trouble with the police.
What do I need to do?
You will be offered weekly appointments (unless told otherwise) with someone from the youth justice service. We will talk about what happened, why it happened, and ask questions about your life—friends, school, lifestyle—so we can support you.
You need to:
- Be on time
- Not attend under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Let your worker know if your phone number or address changes
- Let us know if you need to change or cancel an appointment (we may ask for proof)
What if I don’t?
If you miss appointments without a good reason, you will get a written warning. If you get two warnings and miss a third appointment, you could be sent back to court and sentenced again.
Your Rights
If you are unhappy about how you have been treated by the youth justice service, you can:
- Speak to your worker or a duty worker
- Phone the youth justice service manager
- Ask for information on how to make a complaint
If you have difficulty understanding this information contact us on 01983 823011
What is a Detention and Training Order?
A Detention and Training Order is a sentence given by the court. The court will give you a timeframe, which can range between four and 24 months. You will spend up to half of the order in custody. You will be taken straight from court to the custody centre. This could be a young offender’s institution, a secure training centre, or a secure children’s home – this depends on your age.
When you are released from custody, you will be supervised by a youth justice service worker until the end of your sentence.
Fact file: Custody means prison.
Who is the Youth Justice Service?
We are a team of people who work together to try and support young people to make better choices with their behaviour and avoid getting into trouble with police.
When you are in custody, your youth justice service worker will:
- Visit you
- Plan work with you, your family, and custody staff to help you stop getting into trouble
- Plan for your release by speaking with other workers and your family
When you are released, your YJS worker will:
- Arrange a planning meeting to help decide what support needs to be put into place
- Meet with you regularly to ensure you are staying out of trouble
What do I need to do when I’m released?
Your release will be planned carefully with you, and you will have lots more information at the time. You will need to:
- Avoid committing further offences
- Do what is asked of you by the youth justice service
- Let your worker know if you cannot attend an appointment
- Let your worker know straight away if you change your address or contact details
Your rights
If you are unhappy about how you have been treated by the youth justice service you can tell us by:
- Speaking to your worker, or a duty worker
- Phoning the youth justice service manager
- Asking for information on how to make a complaint
If you have difficulty understanding this information contact us on 01983 823011
What is a Youth Rehabilitation Order?
A Youth Rehabilitation Order is a sentence given by the court. It includes conditions that may involve one or more of the following:
- Activity
- Attendance centre
- Curfew (with tag)
- Curfew (without tag)
- Drug testing
- Drug treatment
- Education
- Exclusion zones
- Intensive supervision and surveillance
- Local authority residence
- Mental health treatment
- Programmes
- Prohibited activity
- Residence
- Supervision
- Unpaid work
After your court appearance, a youth justice service worker will contact you and arrange to meet. They will help you understand the order and answer any questions. They may also speak to other services involved with you.
Your worker will agree a plan with you to decide what support you need.
Who is the Youth Justice Service?
We are a team of people who work together to support young people in making better choices and avoiding trouble with the police.
What do I need to do?
You will be offered weekly appointments (unless told otherwise) with someone from the youth justice service. We will talk about what happened and ask questions about your life—friends, school, lifestyle—to find the best support for you.
You need to:
- Be on time
- Not attend under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Let your worker know if your phone number or address changes
- Let us know if you need to change or cancel an appointment (we may ask for proof)
What if I don’t?
If you miss appointments without a good reason, you will get a written warning. If you get two warnings and miss a third appointment, you could be sent back to court and sentenced again.
Your Rights
If you are unhappy about how you have been treated by the youth justice service, you can:
- Speak to your worker or a duty worker
- Phone the youth justice service manager
- Ask for information on how to make a complaint
Restorative justice
What restorative justice means and what you need to do
We’re here to help
The restorative justice officers within the youth justice service support people who have been harmed by an offence committed by a young person.
What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative justice is a voluntary process where you and the young person who committed the offence can work together to repair the harm caused. This process is called reparation and can happen in different ways:
- Direct reparation: A meeting between the harmed person and the young person.
- Indirect reparation: A letter of apology written by the young person.
- Community reparation: The young person takes part in a community project.
We follow the Ministry of Justice Code of Practice for Victims of Crime.
What does this mean to me?
We have contacted you because a young person has committed an offence and has either been sentenced in court or given an out of court disposal. As explained in our letter, we would like to speak with you by phone or visit you at a convenient time to hear your views on how the harm can be repaired.
What do I do if I have any questions?
Contact the team on 01983 823011
What do I need to do?
- Be on time.
- Bring with you any paperwork you have been asked to bring.
- Dress smartly.
- Take any medications you need with you.
What happens if I miss court?
- The court will ask the police to find and arrest you.
- You might have to stay in a police cell until you go to court.
- You might not get bail in the future.
- Your hearing may start without you and you could miss the opportunity to give your side of the story.
What does being on bail mean?
- If you are let home after you have been charged, this means you are on bail.
- Bail means you are trusted to behave until you go to court.
- You will be given a day and time that you need to attend court.
- You will be given a piece of paper (bail notice) that will explain what you need to do.
- The police will give you instructions of what you need to do whilst you are on bail, these are called bail conditions.
- Ask for help if you don’t understand.
- Breaking the law while you are on bail means you will get into more trouble.
- Not sticking to bail conditions will get you into more trouble.
- Not attending court when you need to is breaking the law and will get you into more trouble.
Do I need a solicitor?
- Yes. Speak to a solicitor as soon as you can.
- Tell the solicitor your side of the story, they will help you in court.
- Your solicitor will help you to understand what you need to do.
- There will be a duty solicitor at court who can help you on the day.
- If you need to find a solicitor near you, phone 0845 345 4345 or visit www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk
What will happen at court?
Tell the court your side of the story. Tell the truth and if you are sorry for what has happened then tell the court this. If you plead guilty or you are found guilty, the court will decide a sentence for you. Listen carefully at court, if you don’t understand then make someone aware of this so they can help you.
Who needs to come to court?
You will need your parent or carer to come with you. Parents or carers who don’t attend can get into trouble. Young people over 16 do not need a parent or carer with them but it will be more helpful for you if they can.
What if I am too ill to go to court?
People who are too ill to attend court need to tell the court and their solicitor. They will need proof from their doctor that they are too ill to attend.
What if I have additional needs or disabilities?
If you, or your parent or carer need extra help or support, then let the court know this so they can help.
Your rights
If you are unhappy about how you have been treated by the youth justice service you can tell us by:
- Speaking to your worker, or a duty worker
- Phoning the youth justice service manager
- Asking for information on how to make a complaint
If you have difficulty understanding this information, contact us on 01983 823011
Parents
Support and advice for parents of children who need to attend court
What is parenting support?
The youth justice service, including the youth crime prevention service, works with parents of young people who have offended. We make sure we offer a suitable level of support to parents. We offer this as well as working with the individual young person.
We will allocate parents their own parenting support officer, who can provide them with a range of support including:
- One-to-one sessions
- Group work sessions
- Signposting to other services
- Information about the youth justice system
- Support in attending court, meetings and appointments
Referral criteria
If a young person is currently open to the youth offending team, we can take referrals for parents, carers, or any family member who is directly involved with the children.
Referrals can be made by:
- Court
- Youth justice service staff
- Children’s services staff
- Or parents can contact the parenting support officer directly
Referral process
We will contact the family for a first discussion about the referral and about what support may be suitable. We will then offer a thorough assessment to understand their needs as a parent and identify existing strengths.
Other agencies that are working with the family may be contacted as part of the assessment process. This would be discussed with the parents prior to the contact being made.
Using the information from the assessment we will agree a plan with the parents and the parenting support officer of what provision is to be offered.
If I am offered parenting support does it mean I am a bad parent?
No. The aim of the work carried out by the parenting support officer is to help parents recognise their strengths as a parent and offer intervention to work with parents to develop skills and knowledge in the areas that they identify as needing support with.
Do I have to do group work?
Group sessions are available and provide an opportunity to share your experience with other parents. However, if you are concerned about group work you can discuss this with the parenting support officer and if we need to, we can deliver work to you one-to-one.
Do I have to engage with parenting support?
If a referral has been made by the courts as part of a Parenting Order then engagement is mandatory – that is, you have to take part, and this will be explained to you as part of the court process.
If the courts have not made a Parenting Order then engagement is voluntary: you can choose if you want to get involved. Any support we offer is intended to make life better for your child and family and we will do everything we can to make this a positive and useful experience.
If you have difficulty understanding this information contact us on 01983 823011
What is a Parenting Order?
A Parenting Order is a sentence of the court which aims to provide support and assistance to parents, enable them to manage their child’s behaviour and to support their child in not re-offending.
Why is it given?
Parents have a responsible and, at times, difficult job. There are times when parents need extra help and support. Such a time may be when a child commits an offence.
What happens next?
A parenting officer from the youth justice service will arrange a meeting with you. They will discuss the requirements of the order with you and agree a plan to be completed while the order is in force.
Who is a parenting officer?
Parenting officers work as a member of the Youth Justice Service and are specialists in supporting the parents of young people who have been referred to the team. They will oversee the order, and link in with your child’s allocated case manager.
What will I have to do?
You will need to co-operate with the order and attend appointments as required. The Parenting Order requires that you attend group and one-to-one sessions.
Who goes to the group sessions?
Other parents who are in a similar situation to your own. The sessions are arranged through, or run by, the parenting support officer.
Can I bring my children?
No, the groups are not able to accommodate children. If this is likely to cause you a problem, please discuss with your parenting officer.
What happens at the group or one-to-one sessions?
- Talking about how we communicate with our children and how we can change things
- Setting limits and negotiating (appropriately) with children
- Understanding behaviour
- Exploring parents’ needs
How long will the order last?
The court will set the duration of the order which will range between three and twelve months.
Can I appeal against the order?
Yes – you can discuss this with your solicitor.
Can the conditions be altered?
Yes – if there are exceptional circumstances and you are unable to fulfil the requirements of the order you, or the parenting officer, can apply to the court for the order to be altered.
What happens if I do not co-operate?
We hope this will not happen, as we want to help you. If, however, you do not co-operate you will initially receive a warning letter. If you still do not co-operate you are at risk of being prosecuted for breach of the order. If found guilty of the breach, the maximum fine is £1,000 and you will get a criminal record.
Your rights
If you are unhappy with how you have been treated by a person from the Youth Justice Service you can tell us by:
- Talking to your worker or a duty worker
- Telephoning the Youth Justice Service manager
- Asking for information about how to make a complaint
If you have difficulty understanding information, contact us on 01983 823011
