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Website URL : http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=15729


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What are these services?

Offender support and supervision

When a young offender receives a community based Order imposed by a local Youth or Magistrates Court (or by a crown Court in serious cases) this Order is supervised by the Youth Justice Service.

In North Yorkshire services for young offenders are provided by the North Yorkshire Youth Justice Service (YJS). The Youth Justice Service comprises expert staff from a range of service partners including the Police, Probation Service, Health, and the Children and Young People's Service, supported by committed and skilled volunteers. The key objectives of the Youth Justice Service are to reduce youth crime, protect the public from serious harm, and safeguard the welfare of young people.

Supervision of a Court Order starts with a comprehensive assessment (ASSET) of the young person's needs and risks. Further assessment of serious risk issues, or of problems with substance misuse, education or other issues, may be undertaken as needed. Based on this assessment, a written "intervention plan" is agreed with the young person and their parent/carers to help them stay out of trouble.

The level of supervision depends on the type of Order the Court imposes, and on the level of assessed risk in each case. Supervision can range from weekly contact to prolonged daily contact (eg five hours per day, provided by our Intensive Supervision and Surveillance (ISS) for high risk, persistent and prolific offenders).

Intensive Supervision and Surveillance (ISS)

This is a special sentence for serious or prolific young offenders who are at risk of being sent to custody. It helps very troubled young people to turn their lives around. ISS can be part of bail supervision and support, or it can be part of a sentence made by a Court. Some young people who are finishing custody sentences also go on ISS to help them resettle in their community.

The York and North Yorkshire ISS service provides three months of high intensity supervision (at least 25 hours each week, supported by a home curfew and electronic tagging) for each young offender. If they stay out of trouble, they reduce to between five to 10 hours of weekly supervision for another three months. During this time, the young person is closely monitored by ISSP and Youth Justice Service staff, by their local police and by an electronic tag locked on their ankle. Failure to co-operate with the rules means going back to court, very quickly, and if the young person doesn't show enough commitment to the programme they might be sent to custody instead.

Every young person has their own plan, tailored to tackle the root causes of their offending behaviour. The assessment starts from the risk of re-offending, but includes their needs, capabilities, interests and aspirations.
Supervision is provided 365 days a year, often outside of office hours and at weekends, so that we can respond to the needs of young people and minimise the risk they may pose to others

Support for Parents and Carers

The Youth Justice Service also offers support to parents, including voluntarily agreed interventions and intensive Parenting Programmes by order of the court.

In 1998 the Crime and Disorder Act introduced Parenting Orders in order to reduce offending behaviour and positively empower parents. You may receive a Parenting Order because your child is the subject of an Anti Social Behaviour Order or has committed a criminal offence.

There are two options available:

  • Voluntary Parenting Support - If your child is involved with the Youth Justice Service, as a parent you can request Voluntary Parenting Support. This can be as little as three sessions, or more if you wish.
  • Statutory Parenting Orders - A Parenting Order consists of an assessment, and parenting programme/counselling for a maximum of three months. This may be delivered on an individual basis, or in some areas there are Group Parenting Programmes available.

The Court may attach specific requirements to the Order which may last up to 12 months. These requirements could include ensuring your child attends school, or is at home at specific times. If your child commits an offence, an order could be given to parents (even if they do not live together), step parents, guardians, or carers.

Failure to comply with the Order is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution by the Police. A level 3 fine (up to £1000), a Community Order or absolute/condition discharge could be imposed on you.

Weblinks
  • North Yorkshire Youth Justice Service
Contacts
Youth Justice Service - central management and administration
lesley.ingleson@northyorks.gov...
Tel: 0845 3005430
Fax: 01609 797141
Youth Justice Service - East area
Tel: 0845 0349497
Fax: 01723 341368
Youth Justice Service - West area
Tel: 0845 0349478
Fax: 01423 525198



North Yorkshire County Council, County Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8AD | Tel: 0845 8 72 73 74 | Fax: 01609 532009
This page was last updated on 28 June 2012