That such orders are necessary as a last resort for dealing with anti social behaviour (ASB). We support the use of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts as an effective way of dealing with ASB by young people which do not require court appearances/convictions.
We believe those who turn 18 years of age while waiting for proceedings against them to begin should automatically be dealt with in the youth justice system and sentenced as children.
That the punishment of custody for children* and young people lies in the loss of liberty itself and therefore should only be used:
- As a last resort
- Where the public have to be protected
Where young people have to be sent to custody they should be held in small local secure units close to their home.
Equality and Diversity
We believe that children* and young people have the right to have equal access to all appropriate services within the youth justice system and must not be excluded on the grounds of age, gender, disability, ethnic background, skin colour, language, faith, health, social and economic backgrounds, sexuality or other prejudice.
Restorative Approaches
We fully support restorative approaches and are committed to them being embedded in youth justice. These enable children* and young people to accept responsibility for their choices and actions, to reflect on how they interact together and find positive ways forward to prevent harm and conflict
Victims
YOTs are committed to the welfare of the victims of crime; and will take their needs and perspectives into account when working with young people who have offended and/or committed anti-social behaviour. For example, YOTs will make contact with the victims of children* and young people who have offended to seek out victim(s)’ comment on their experience(s) and future interventions. The YOTs will work with these young people to encourage change in their attitudes/future behaviour towards known victims and to prevent further victimisation.
