Young Offenders
Cheshire Youth Offending Services are provided in partnership
between Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Constabulary, National
Offender Management Services (Cheshire), the NHS, Cheshire East
Targeted Youth Service (Formerly Connexions) (Chester &
Warrington) and The Drugs, Alcohol and Action Team. Our aim is to
prevent offending by young people aged 10-17.
This web site section explains what happens when a child
or young person receives a Reprimand or Final Warning, what Court
Orders are, plus the procedures involved, and also explains what
Reparation and Restorative Justice are. It also includes the
services we cover and our contact information.
Who are young offenders?
Young offenders are children and young people aged between 10-17
who break the law. When they do they become subject to the youth
justice system.
What is the youth justice system?
The principal aim of the youth justice
system is to prevent offending by children and young persons and it
is the statutory duty of all organisations and individuals working
within the youth justice system to have regard to that aim.
The six key objectives of the youth justice system are:
- The swift administration of justice, so that every young person
accused of breaking the law has the matter resolved without
delay;
- Confronting young offenders with the consequences of their
offending, for themselves and their families, their victims and the
community, and helping them to develop a sense of
responsibility;
- Intervention that tackles the particular factors that put the
young person at risk of offending;
- Punishment proportionate to the seriousness and persistence of
the offending and which strengthens protective factors;
- Encouraging reparation to victims by young offenders; and
- Reinforcing the responsibilities of parents.
What are the local authorities obligations?
Not only social services, but every
local authority department must consider the likely effect of all
of its decisions on the need to reduce crime and disorder locally.
The local authority also has a duty to take reasonable steps
designed to encourage young people within its area not to commit
offences, through the provision of services.
Who do I contact for more information?
Cheshire Youth Offending Team
Law Courts
Civic Centre
Crewe
Cheshire CW1 2DT
Telephone: 01606
365300 Fax: 01606 365301
