The action plan order was created as a way of dealing with young people between the ages of 10 and 17, who have to be dealt with by the Youth Court.
Details
It is a community sentence intended to offer an early opportunity for work and/or support to help prevent further offending. It requires a young person to complete any number of specific tasks designed to address the causes of such behaviour.
It aims to encourage the young person to take responsibility for their actions and to consider the wishes and feelings of victims of crime. It lasts for three months from the date of the order being made.
Specific requirements of an action plan order may include:
- participation in activities;
- attendance at offence-focused work groups;
- attendance at an attendance centre;
- staying away from specified places;
- monitored school attendance;
- reparation, either to the victim of the offence or to the community as a whole;
- attendance at a review hearing at the Youth Court.
The Court can use a combination of these for any individual. It may also choose to impose a parenting order on the parents of a young person subject to an action plan order. A responsible officer from the Youth Offending Team (YOT) will be appointed to supervise the programme of work.
What will happen if the young person fails to co-operate?
Two warnings within the period may be given before breach proceedings are taken. This will involve the young person being returned to Court where it may discharge the order and re-sentence for the original offence. If the failure to comply is serious, these measures can be taken at any stage and without prior warning.
What do parents/guardians have to do?
Parents/guardians should:
- attend Court with the young person
- encourage the young person to fully appreciate the consequences of their offending behaviour
- ensure that the young person successfully completes the activities assigned to him/her
- co-operate with any parenting order that may be imposed.
If you would further information on action plan order please contact the YOT.