Know more about The Young Offenders Act
- The Young Offenders Act 1997 changes the way police and the justice system deal with young offenders. It actively seeks to steer young offenders away from the court by directing them to alternative forms of intervention. It provides a new, more constructive way of dealing with young people who break the law.
Four options exist for police dealing with young offenders. The option taken depends on the seriousness of the offence, the degree of violence involved, the harm caused to the victim, the attitude of the young person to the offence and whether the young person admits to the offence.
The Act aims to make young offenders take responsibility for their actions, acknowledge the rights of the victim, avoid the cost and time of a court appearance and - most importantly - steer young offenders away from detention. They achieve this by holding a Youth Justice Conference.
- Check out the Legal Aid website for more info on your rights under the act.
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