This information only applies to Youth Courts, which deal with most juvenile offending. If you are going to be appearing at a Crown Court, this is much more serious and you should talk to a Solicitor immediately.
What is a Youth Court?
A Youth Court is a type of Magistrates Court. They only deal with offences committed by children and young people, and they sit privately, under special rules.
Where do Youth Courts sit?
Youth Courts take place in the local Magistrates Courthouse. The address will be on the papers you have been given. Report to the Usher on arrival, and they will tell you what to do.
What are the Courtrooms like?
Youth Courts try to use smaller rooms, but otherwise they look like the Courts you see on television. The Magistrates sit at a raised table, and all the people involved in the case sit in front of them.
If you would like to see the Courtroom before your case, this can be arranged by contacting the Court Office.
Who will be there?
- Magistrates - unpaid members of the local community. Youth Magistrates are specially trained
- Legal Advisor - manages the Hearing and advises the Magistrates
- Prosecutor - explains the Police version of what happened
- Your Solicitor - explains your version of what happened
- YJS - our Court Officer is there to support and advice, and you can ask for their help at any time
- Public - not allowed into Youth Hearings
- Press - they can report general details, but nothing which could identify you
What should I do?
- arrive on time
- dress smartly
- arrange a Solicitor
- think about what you want to say
- say it politely and calmly
What shouldn’t I do?
- act as if you don’t care
- get angry or upset
- interrupt or argue in Court
- come without a parent / carer
How do I get a Solicitor?
You are entitled to legal advice. We strongly recommend that you arrange this, even if you are pleading guilty. Many Solicitors can give free or reduced-rate help under Legal Aid. Look for details online, in the Yellow Pages, or ask to speak to the Duty Solicitor at Court.
Advice for Parents & Carers?
You must attend with your child, and you usually have to pay their Fines or Compensation.
Sometimes it will seem as if everyone is blaming you, but the Court is genuinely sympathetic to any parent who is doing their best.
The North Yorkshire Youth Justice Service is
- made up of expert staff from Children’s Social Care, Police, Probation, Education and Health
- working in active partnership with local agencies and communities to prevent offending by young people
- committed to rigorous National Standards for the supervision and management of young offenders in the community
- sensitive to the needs and rights of victims, and working to the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime
- committed to treating all service users with respect, fairness, honesty and dignity
- committed to fair treatment regardless of race, religion, culture, disability or sexual orientation
If you would like more information, or if you wish to complain about any YJS service you have received, please write to me at any of the offices.
Andy Dukes
Youth Justice Team Manager
Where to find us
Harrogate Area Offices
Delta House,
12b North Park Road,
Harrogate,
HG1 5PG
Oak Beck House
Woodfield Road,
Harrogate,
HG1 4HZ
Scarborough Area Office
Castle House,
10-14 Elders Street,
Scarborough,
YO11 1DZ
Selby Area Office
Community House (1st Floor),
Portholme Crescent,
Selby,
YO8 4QQ
Hambleton and Richmond Area Office
County Hall,
Racecourse Lane,
Romanby,
Northallerton,
DL7 8AD