Youth Sentencing

Starter

Look at the worksheet – consider whether you think the statements are

true or false

What are your reactions to the correct answers?

Youth Crime

What crimes are most likely to be committed by young people?

Interventions

Sure Start This programme aims to improve community

health and well-being by providing services such as childcare to families in disadvantaged areas.

Connexions This school-based programme provides support

and advice to young people to improve behaviour and reduce truancy.

Neighbourhood Renewal This programme aims to improve community

services in areas that struggle economically.

Youth Offending Teams

YOTs include representatives from the police, social services, health, education and housing. Their job is to identify the needs of each young offender and identify the problems that make the young person offend, as well as measuring the risk they pose to others. This enables the YOT to identify suitable programmes:

education, training or employment drug rehabilitation mental health assessment and treatment provision of accommodation

Rehabilitation and Sentencing

Referral Orders – the young person is required to agree a contract of behaviour with their parents/guardians and the victim (where appropriate), to repair the harm caused by the offence and address the causes of the offending behaviour.

Action Plan Orders – 3 month, intensively supervised community service programmes focusing on education and involving the young person’s parents/guardians

Reparation Orders – court orders requiring a young person to repair the harm caused to an individual or the community, e.g. through mediation or community service work

Parenting Orders – a requirement for parents to attend counselling and guidance sessions where they receive help in dealing with their children

Electronic Tagging – for the most persistent offenders aged 12-16 year olds, on bail or on remand in local authority accommodation

Presentations

Prepare a short presentation as a result of your opinions.

Use the following questions as a guideline:• Is the age of criminal responsibility appropriate?• Do you think sentences are too harsh, too soft or about right?• What support should be given to victims of crime?• Should parents take more responsibility for the behaviour of their children?

http://www.yjb.gov.uk/en-gb/yjs/SentencesOrdersandAgreements/

Exam Question

You have 40 minutes to answer this question:

Discuss the aims of sentencing and consider other factors the criminal courts will use to reach an appropriate sentence.