Click below to jump to each of our most frequently asked questions.
What are Referral Orders?
Referral Orders have been available to the courts since April 2002.
A Referral Order is given to most 10 to 17-year-olds pleading guilty and convicted for the first time in court, unless the charge is serious enough to warrant custody. The order will last between three and 12 months, depending on the seriousness of the offence. After appearing in court, the young person will be referred to the youth offender panel who will then consider the most appropriate course of action.
Click to read more about Referral Orders.
Why are victims invited to the panel meeting?
A young offender and a victim meeting face-to-face can be a powerful and positive experience for both. The young person is usually unaware of the consequences on the victim and family, so meeting them emphasises that every action has a consequence. Meanwhile, the victim gets a true impression of the offender, a physical, mental and emotional impression and realises that s/he is an ordinary youngster, not a monster.
What will the panel decide?
With everyone’s agreement, a contract will be put together which will include an element of reparation, either to the victim directly or to the community.
The contract will also include other elements to tackle the young person's offending behaviour - drugs counselling, anger management or dealing with truancy, for example. The contract will be supervised by the YOT and reviewed at regular panel meetings. The conviction will be "spent" when the order is successfully completed. If the young person fails to comply, they will be sent back to court and a different sentence may be given.
Are youth offender panels just a soft option?
No! Panels give the community a say in putting together a package which will ensure young people who offend repair the harm done and are given positive help to prevent further offending. It will be the responsibility of the panel to decide the right - and most appropriate - course of action, taking into account the young person's offence and reasons for offending.
Youth offender panels give members of the community who want to make a difference the chance to help tackle youth crime in their neighbourhood.
Will I be trained?
You will be given full training. Remember that you will be sitting on the panel with a trained YOT worker who has skills and experience in dealing with young people who have offended. Once you become a panel member, you will get regular training to support you in your work.
Who can be a youth offender panel member?
Men and women, aged 18 or over, from all ethnic and social backgrounds who can represent their local community.
How much of my time will it take?
We would expect you to spend about three hours a fortnight being a panel member. This would cover preparing for and sitting on a panel two or three times a month. Panel meetings can be arranged around your existing work/time commitments.
Will I be paid?
No - panel members are volunteers. But you will not be out of pocket - travel and childcare expenses will be paid.
What if I have a criminal record?
Being a panel member involves working with children and for that reason we are required to carry out a full criminal record check. However, previous convictions, especially those which are minor in nature and old, will not automatically prevent you from becoming a panel member. This is something your YOT can discuss further with you.
Where can I find out more?
Click to find your local YOT’s contact details.
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