Youth Justice Service
Preventing child offending
We work with children aged 10 to 18 who are involved in the criminal justice system as a result of behaviour that has been determined by police to be an offence.
We work dynamically with the child, their parents or carers, and any other professional working with the family to prevent further offending.
This work is in part determined by the disposal that the child has been made subject to; but also through a collaborative assessment of the child, to ensure they and their family have a voice in the planning and review of the work we complete.
Our responsibilities
Our Youth Justice Service has a mandatory responsibility to:
- Reduce re-offending for those young people already involved in the criminal justice system.
- Reduce the number of first-time entrants to the criminal justice system.
- Reduce the number of young people entering custody.
Our statutory obligations
Our statutory obligations to:
- Safeguard the young people we work with.
- Protect the public from harm.
- Work with victims of crime.
How we work with young people
Every child we work with has their own worker-often called the case manager.
This worker completes a thorough and inter-active assessment, from which a clear plan is developed. The case manager takes time to get to know the child and their family during this process. The case manager and relevant specialist professionals will then work hard with the child and family to complete the key work that will achieve 'desistance' from further offending.
We then ensure all our work is reviewed, remains flexible and there is an ongoing opportunity for the child and their parent/ carer to feedback their views on progress and, if needed, change the focus of work to address emerging issues. We will offer guidance to support and challenge children and families to achieve their desired outcomes.
Our team lead by your case manager, will guide and challenge you to ensure that problems can be overcome and goals achieved.
For more information
Call (01226) 774986 or
Our partners
We work with a range of practitioners and partners to support the young person to achieve their planned outcomes including:
- probation officers
- social workers
- police officers
- CAMHS mental health practitioners
- education welfare officers and education mentors
- drug and alcohol workers
- parenting and family mediation workers
- victim liaison officers
Our triage and case planning meetings
Every case is subject to structured multi-agency planning:
Our triage and case planning meetings ensure that professionals engage in a robust, challenging and solution focused process that ensures the best outcomes for the child and any victims.
Support and information for young people
Find out more about leaving court, support with custody and transitions.
Support for parents and carers
Find out more about support for parents and carers and how to get help.
Support for those affected by a crime
Find out more about support available if you've been affected by a crime.