Sentences and agreements

How those who offend are dealt with depends on:

• the type and severity of their offence,
• the likelihood of re-offending and;
• the level of risk they pose to the public.

The youth justice system provides a wide range of interventions and penalties.

First time offenders

When young people first get into trouble, behave anti-socially or commit minor offences, they can often be dealt with outside the court system. This can avoid giving young people a criminal record at an early stage while still giving them help and support to stop offending.

First time offenders who admit committing a minor offence may receive a reprimand. This is a formal verbal warning given by a police officer. If they commit a further minor offence they may receive a final warning, again given by a police officer. At this stage, offenders are referred to us. We assess their needs and plan and provide measures to prevent any further criminal behaviour.

Serious or persistent offenders

More serious crimes or persistent offending results in the young person concerned appearing in court. Young offenders who plead guilty to an offence at their first appearance in court are given a Referral Order, unless the offence is either very minor or so serious that it requires a custodial sentence.

The young person then has to attend a Youth Offender Panel, which is made up of 2 volunteers from the local community and 1 of our panel advisers. The panel, with the young person, their parents/carers and the victim (where appropriate), agree a contract lasting between 3 and 12 months. The aim of the contract is to repair the harm caused by the offence and address the causes of the offending behaviour.

More information about Referral Orders can be found on the Youth Justice Board website.

Read about other court orders.