The final warning deals with offences committed by young people. It encourages them to take responsibility for their criminal actions and to keep them from re-offending. It replaces the system of police cautions. If a young person is arrested for a further offence within two years it will virtually always go to court.
The final warning:
- aims to prevent re-offending by ensuring that the young person is made aware of the consequences and impact of criminal activity.
- aims to take into account the wishes and feelings of victims of crime.
- aims to find out the reason for the offence, and do something about the things in the young person's life, which create a risk of further offending.
Youth Offending Teams (YOT) have been established in every local authority to work with the Police officers to ensure that these aims are met.
The final warning is given on the understanding that the YOT will work with the young offender and their parent/guardian to complete a short programme of intervention.
This begins with an appointment for the young person and parent/guardian to see someone from the YOT. This appointment will either be made at the Police station immediately after the final warning has been given.
What the programme of work might involve?
Work on offending: Brief session of offence and victim focused work will be carried out at the YOT office. This is to ensure that the young person fully understands the purpose of the final warning.
Reparation: May involve the offender meeting his/her victim in person to make a verbal apology. Alternatively, the young person may be required to write a letter of apology and/or take part in several hours of practical activity.
What do parents/guardians have to do?
Parents/Guardians should:
- attend all meetings with the young person;
- encourage the young person to appreciate fully the consequences of their offending behaviour; and
- ensure that the young person successfully completes the activities assigned to him/her.
For further information on the final warning scheme please contact the Youth Offending Team.