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Youth Offender Panels - a new way of dealing
with young people
The aim of Youth Panels is to nip offending in the
bud and steer young people away from crime. Youth Offender Panels
work with young people who plead guilty in a Youth Court and have
no previous convictions, but whose offence is not serious enough
to warrant custody.
Less formal than a court, each Panel has two volunteers
from the local area and a professional from the local youth offending
team. Victims are encouraged to attend to say how the crime has
affected them and to have a say in what the reparation should
be. A programme is drawn up with offenders and their parents and
the young person’s progress is monitored.
Volunteers are welcome, particularly from ethnic
minorities and/or people in their late teens and twenties. Volunteers
are given full training and can expect to spend two or three hours
a week as a panel member. Hours are flexible and panels can be
held in the evenings or on Saturdays. Travel and childcare expenses
are paid.
For more information contact Kevin Jones on 01992
555555.
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