Case management and court orders

The reparation order is a court disposal for young people aged 10 to 17 years of age, who have been convicted of any criminal offence other than one for which the sentence is fixed by law.

It can be a stand alone sentence or it can be combined with other court orders.

The order should not be for more than 24 hours, over a period of 3 months from the date the order is made.

The length of the order is decided by the court.

The aim of the reparation order

The order aims to prevent re-offending by making sure that the young person is made aware of the consequences and impact of criminal activity.

It aims to encourage the young person to take responsibility for their actions and in doing so make amends to their victim or the community as a whole.

What the young person will have to do

Direct reparation

Direct reparation may involve the offender meeting their victim(s) in person to make a verbal apology. This is known as Victim Offender Mediation.

This type of reparation takes place only with the consent of both victim and offender.

Direct reparation could require the offender to write a letter of apology and / or take part in practical activities, which directly benefit the victim.

Indirect reparation

The reparation order may specify that the young person undertake indirect reparation.

This may involve a programme of work within the community. Examples of this work could be:

• removing graffiti
• environmental work
• assisting retailers who have been victims of shoplifting

What happens if the young person fails to co-operate

At most, 2 warnings within the period of the order may be given before breach proceedings are issued.

Breach proceedings will involve the young person being returned to court.

The court has the option to discharge the order and re-sentence for the original offence.

Breach proceedings can be taken at any stage of the order. This is regardless of the length of time it has to run, and without prior warning if the failure to comply is serious (such as an attempt to avoid its completion or serious misconduct).

What parents and guardians have to do

• Parents / guardians should attend court with the young person
• Parents / guardians should encourage the young person to appreciate fully the consequences of their offending behaviour
• Talk to the young person about the work they have been required to do
• They should make sure that the young person successfully completes the reparative activity assigned to themselves
• Work in partnership with the South Tyneside Youth Offending Service