A referral order is a court order given to most 10 to 17 years olds pleading guilty and being convicted for the first time. If served with a referral order must attend a youth offender panel.
What exactly are youth offender panels?
Youth offender panels are meetings where the victims and offenders are brought together face to face. Meetings are staged in a controlled environment, with members of the
Youth Offending Team (YOT) and community panel members acting as a neutral party between those involved in the offence. The offence is discussed and suitable remedies for the situation are decided upon. A contract is drawn up to address the issues. Failure to comply with the details of the contract may result in the case going before the courts for further disciplinary action.
Why use a youth offender panel?
The aim is to make offenders take responsibility and make amends for the consequences of their offending. This can lead to the offenders making restoration to the victim or wider community.
Who are the youth offending team members?
They are professional workers, trained to work with young offenders and help them to comply with the orders given to them by the courts. They can help offenders with problems that may lead to re-offending.
Who are the panel members?
They are members of the community. They have been trained to sit as panel members and work on a voluntary basis. Prior to the meeting they may have read a report on you detailing the offence and general facts about your background.
Working with the victim
Restorative justice gives the victims of the offence a part in the process. The victim may ask questions, receive an explanation, an apology and/or discuss how the offender can make practical reparation for any distress and inconvenience they may have caused.
If you would like further information about referral order please
contact the YOT.