Introduction
We are sorry to hear that you have been the victim of a crime, committed by a young person.
Young people (under 18) who offend are encouraged to:
- face up to the consequences of their actions
- carry out some form of reparation (this means putting right some of the harm caused)
The youth justice service is required:
- to help the police decide what action to take
- to supervise young people who have been sentenced by the court
Why consult victims?
Although your involvement is voluntary, it is important you are given the chance to
- be provided with information about the outcome of the case
- have the opportunity to express your opinions and have your point of view heard
- get answers to the many questions you may have such as “why did it happen to me?”
- let the offender know how you feel about the crime and how it has affected you and your family
- suggest ideas for practical reparation work for the young person to undertake
What options are available to you?
Choose to be involved. It is entirely your choice and we will respect your wishes. You can change your mind at any time during the process. Receive information about the sentence. We can explain what the various court orders involve.
Direct reparation. You may wish the offender to undertake some practical task to help repair the harm caused.
Community reparation. The offender will undertake some form of reparation which will be for the benefit of the community. Mediation, A trained mediator can act as a “go-between” to exchange information and views between you and the offender. However, in some circumstances, you may feel that you would like to meet the offender face to face. Where this can be arranged it will be undertaken with a voluntary agreement, by both the victim and the offender. This would give you a chance to ask questions or make them aware of your feelings. This will be supported by a trained mediator.
Referral order panel meeting. Referral orders are overseen by a panel of trained community volunteers. They agree a contract of change with the young person and their family. Victims are usually invited to attend these meetings, or to express their feelings by a letter or other means. Support is available for victims who wish to attend. youth justice service staff would support you through this process.
What happens next?
The North Yorkshire youth justice service is committed to serving the needs of victims of youth crime. In order to achieve this, we employ specialist victim liaison officers.
A victim liaison officer will contact you in the next few days, by telephone if possible, in order to:
- answer any questions you may have
- provide you with as much information as possible
If you do not want us to contact you, you can contact us and leave a message.
The North Yorkshire Youth Justice Service is
Made up of expert staff from the children’s social care, police, probation, education and health.
Working to the code of practice for victims of crime.
Committed to fair treatment regardless of race, religion, culture, disability or sexual orientation.
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.
Should you wish to discuss any of the youth justice services you have received, please write to us at any of the offices.