Detention and Training Order

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 (First Floor) 
Portholme Crescent 
Selby 
YO8 4QQ

Hambleton and Richmond Area Office

County Hall 
Racecourse Lane 
Romanby 
Northallerton 
DL7 8AD

Contact us