What is a detention and training order?
The detention and training order is a custodial sentence made by a criminal court. It is generally only used for serious or persistent offending.
The order means that you will have to go to a special centre and will not be allowed to go home during your order. Whilst you’re at the centre you will do a programme of education, training and supervision.
Can I appeal?
You can appeal against the sentence if you think it’s unfair. You should talk to your family and solicitor about this.
An appeal takes a few days, and you will still be held in a secure centre until then.
You should read this document carefully, even if you’re appealing.
What happens now?
You may have to stay in the cells for a while, but you will be taken to the centre today. Your family will not usually be able to visit you in the court cells.
Where will I go?
That depends on your vulnerability, age and gender, and on what spaces are available in the area. The youth justice service court officer will keep you and your family informed of the arrangements.
It will be either:
- young offender’s institution - these are run by the prison service, and usually take offenders aged 15 years or over
- secure training centre, or secure children’s home - these are managed by different organisations and often take younger or more vulnerable offenders
What is it like?
Probably not as bad as you think – however, they are run very strictly, and at first you might feel frightened and homesick. You may have problems fitting in with the procedures, or with the other trainees.
Staff will know that you might be feeling this way, and they’ll help you settle in. No-one will be allowed to bully or hurt you, and you will get intensive help with your problems.
Can I have contact with my family?
Yes. Family visits, letters and phone calls are encouraged.
The North Yorkshire justice service
The North Yorkshire justice service is:
- made up of expert staff from children’s social care, police, probation, education and health
- working in active partnership with local agencies and communities to prevent offending by young people
- committed to rigorous national standards for the supervision and management of young offenders in the community
- sensitive to the needs and rights of victims, and working to the code of practice for victims of crime
- committed to treating all service users with respect, fairness, honesty and dignity
- committed to fair treatment regardless of race, religion, culture, disability or sexual orientation
If you would like more information, or if you wish to complain about any youth justice service you have received, please write to me at any of the offices.
Andy Dukes
Youth justice Team Manager
Where to find us
Harrogate Area Offices
Delta House,
12b North Park Road,
Harrogate,
HG1 5PG
Oak Beck House
Woodfield Road,
Harrogate,
HG1 4HZ
Scarborough Area Office
Castle House,
10-14 Elders Street,
Scarborough,
YO11 1DZ
Selby Area Office
Community House (1st Floor),
Portholme Crescent,
Selby,
YO8 4QQ
Hambleton and Richmond Area Office
County Hall,
Racecourse Lane,
Romanby,
Northallerton,
DL7 8AD