Managing demand for custody is a high priority for the YJB.
The YJB makes the following statements in relation to the use of custody:
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Custody should be reserved for the most serious, dangerous and persistent offenders or those who persistently reoffend or breach their community orders.
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Well targeted community interventions are the most effective in reducing reoffending.
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There are cost benefits in reducing the use of the secure estate where appropriate to the level of offending.
To support this, the YJB has set a corporate target to reduce the use of custody for young people who offend by 10% between 31 March 2005 and 31 March 2008 and it is adopting a series of measures at a national level in order to enable this target to be met.
The YJB recognises that there are a number of complex and dynamic factors that influence sentencing outcomes and custodial decisions at a national and local level. The measures the YJB is pursuing seek to address a range of factors which can be influenced by YOTs and/or the YJB.
Corporate target 3
Our third corporate target states;
"Support the youth justice system to, between 31 March 2005 and 31 March 2008, reduce the size of the under-18 custodial population by 10% through the implementation of the minimising the use of custody work programme."
YOTs have a critical role in supporting sentencing and remand decisions through the nature and quality of the services they offer to courts.
Tools and techniques
This area of the website provides tools and techniques that YOTs can employ to maximise their influence on the use of custody in their area.
Important note: the guidance in this area of the website in no way provides legal advice or interpretation of the legal framework. YOTs should always check legal procedures and legislation with the principal legal adviser at the magistrates’ court.
The tools and techniques should support YOT managers and the senior management team in the development of their annual YOT plan. Managers should consider how they can use the tools and techniques to deliver improvements against Performance Measure 4.
The tools and techniques can be used as training/induction materials for use with YOT staff, or as a basis for guidance produced by the YOT for sentencers or other agency partners. The tools and techniques should always be considered in the context of the following points:
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Different approaches fit in different YOTs, depending on the local circumstances and priorities in addressing the use of custody. The tools and techniques provided here may not fit the structures or organisation of some YOTs.
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The resourcing and staffing available in each YOT varies. Some of the tools and techniques included in this section require a significant resource input on the part of the YOT which may not be justifiable in all areas.
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We have provided examples of good practice from the 10 YOTs that participated in a project with the YJB’s Community, Secure and Resettlement Programme Support during 2003. Other low custody YOTs across the country may have implemented different models or have different processes which have had an impact on the use of custody. YOTs should always consider examples of good practice available from YOTs within their own region.
The tools and techniques cover the following topics: