The Youth Court uses a different sentencing approach from adult courts. The focus is on education, support and preventing re offending, while recognising the young person’s age, maturity and vulnerabilities.
What the Court Looks At
- Age and maturity
- Understanding of the offence
- Learning or communication needs
- Safeguarding concerns
- Background and home life
- Any exploitation or pressure
- Steps taken since the incident
- Youth overall and specific offence guidelines, e.g. Robbery
Out of Court Outcomes
Used for low level or first time offences:
- Community Resolution
- Youth Caution
- Youth Conditional Caution
Referral Orders
Common for first time guilty pleas. The young person works with a Youth Offending Team panel on a tailored programme.
Youth Rehabilitation Orders YROs
A flexible community sentence with conditions such as:
- Curfew
- Supervision
- Education or training
- Activity or programme work
Detention and Training Orders DTOs
A custodial sentence for ages 12–17.
- Length: 4–24 months
- First half: spent in youth detention
- Second half: supervised in the community by YJS Used only when the offence is so serious that custody cannot be avoided.
Youth Crown Court Sentencing
Serious cases may go to the Crown Court, but judges must still apply youth sentencing principles.
