In the criminal justice system, any person who is aged 17 or under is classed as a ‘young offender’.
Trials involving young offenders are usually heard in a youth court, but for first-time young offenders who have committed minor offences or anti-social behaviour, the police and local authorities have other pre-court powers they can implement, such as Antisocial Behaviour Orders and Child Safety Orders.
Whatever the punishment, the youth justice system aims to provide support and stop offending behaviour early on. There are a variety of sentences which can be imposed, including:
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A Custodial Sentence (imprisonment in a young offenders’ institute)
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A Detention and Training Order (DTO), in which you must serve the first half of your sentence in custody, then be supervised by social services or a probation officer for the second half.
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An Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Order (ISSO), where you will be supervised by a member of social services, a probation officer, or a youth offending team. During the first three months, you will spend at least 25 hours a week being supervised face-to-face, but you will be subjected to surveillance 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of the order.
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An Electronically Monitored Curfew Order, where you must wear an electronic 'tag' around your wrist or ankle to ensure you comply with the curfew conditions.
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An Action Plan Order, where the court will impose specific conditions for you to comply with for a three month period. The plan will involve punishment, rehabilitation and reparation activity.
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A Reparation Order, in which you must ‘pay back’ the victim or the community. For example, removing graffiti you created, or sending a letter of apology.
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A Referral Order, which means you must comply with a contract set by a community-led panel in a bid to compensate for the crime and change your offending behaviour.
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A Parenting Order, which instructs your parent or guardian to attend counselling or guidance sessions for a set period.
Failure to comply with the sentence imposed on you will result in further penalties.
For the most serious offences the case will be heard in Crown Court, and if convicted, a custodial sentence will definitely be imposed.