Out of Court Disposals and Youth Court Sentences

If a child or young person commits an offence, there are two main outcomes:

1. Out of Court Disposals

The matter is dealt with outside of court.

Community Resolutions

For children who get in trouble for the first time for a less serious offence. This will be decided by the Police and Youth Offending Service after an assessment. This is not recorded on the Police National Computer.

Youth Caution

An official warning given by the Police when someone commits a minor offence. This will be decided by the Police and the Youth Offending Service after an assessment. A youth caution is recorded on the Police National Computer.

Youth Conditional Caution

Is like a Youth Caution, however in addition there will be agreed conditions that the young person will have to follow. If the young person does not keep to the conditions they will be sent to court. A Youth Conditional Caution is recorded on the Police National Computer.

2. Youth Court Sentences

The matter is taken to court.

Referral Order

A referral order is a sentence at court for children and young people for a first offence or minor offence. If you are given a referral order, the court will refer you to a youth offending panel (group of volunteers) with a parent/carer. The panel decide what things you should do. A referral order can last from 3 months to 12 months.

Reparation Order

A sentence to stop children committing more offences by helping the child understand the impact of the crime on the victims.

Youth Rehabilitation Order (YROs)

These are community sentences given to children. Each sentence includes different requirements and can last up to 3 years.

Detention and Training Order (DTO)

A prison sentence for 12-17 year olds which can be for 4, 6, 8, 12, 18 months or 2 years.

For more information

Please contact the YOT office on 0208 708 7800.