Action plan orders
Information for Young People and their Parent(s)/Carers:
What is an action plan order?
It is a 3 month community sentence imposed by the Court. It provides a short but intensive programme, which is individually tailored to address the factors behind a young person’s offending and help with any other problems.
What if I receive an action plan order?
You will be placed under the supervision of a 'responsible officer' from the Youth Offending Service, and will have to comply with an action plan, which will entail at least twice weekly contact and possibly more.
Your action plan may include some or all of the following requirements:
- Participate in programmes to tackle offending and other problems - for example, an anger management course or a drug and alcohol misuse programme
- Attend appointments at specified times and places
- Attend an attendance centre for a set number of hours
- Stay away from certain places
- Comply with educational arrangements - for example, attending school regularly
- Make reparation to the victim or the community at large, perhaps via an apology or by repairing damage.
What if I fail to comply?
You will be taken back to the Youth Court for breaching your Order. The Youth Court can:
- Impose a fine of up to £1,000 an Attendance Centre Order or a Curfew Order (whether or not it decides to discharge the Action Plan Order)
- Discharge the Action Plan Order, and deal with you in a different way of the original offence
- If the Action Plan Order was made by the Crown Court, commit you in custody or on bail back to the Crown Court.
What do Parents/Guardians need to do?
They should work closely with Youth Offending Service staff to help their son/daughter avoid further offending.
This will include supporting the young person in attending activities and complying with the action plan, taking an interest in the work they are undertaking.
