Youth Justice Explained
Youth Justice Explained
In the UK, you are still a child. This means you have certain rights.
The Youth Justice Service is there to support you, not judge you.
You may be asked to think about what happened, who was affected and what could help make things better.
Youth Justice is not just about what has happened. It is also about you, your needs, your strengths and your future.
This page explains what may happen and what you may need to do.
You will usually have a Youth Justice worker.
They will get to know you.
They will listen to you.
They will create a plan with you.
They may talk with you about your culture, faith or what is important to you.
This depends on your plan.
Your worker will agree with you how often you need to meet.
Some appointments may be short.
Other appointments may take longer.
Tell your Youth Justice worker as soon as you can.
Keep proof, like a screenshot of a doctors appointment.
Do not just miss the appointment.
They will tell you what to do next.
Your plan will suit your needs.
If you feel worried about group work, your worker will listen to why. You worker will usually think of another way to support you.
It is best to be honest about what you think and how you feel.
Tell your Youth Justice worker before you go.
Some court orders have rules about where you can stay.
Your worker may ask for your travel and accommodation details.
You may still have rules or appointments to follow.
Your worker can explain what this means for you.
Your workers will help you say sorry, if that is what the person wants.
You may answer the victim's questions, or say sorry another way.
You may do 'reparation' to make things better.
Reparation is taking part in a communinty project, or doing something that improves the lives of others.
Yes.
You can ask what is happening.
You can ask who someone is.
You can ask why they are involved.
You can ask for something to be explained again.
Tell someone.
Your worker can help you find support.
This could be for school, health, feelings or home.