Reparation orders
Information for Parent(s)/Carers and Young People:
The Reparation Order is a Court disposal for young people aged 10-17 years of age, who have been convicted of any criminal offence other than one for which the sentence is fixed by law.
The Reparation Order can be stand alone sentence or may be combined with certain other Court orders.
The Reparation Order should not exceed a maximum of 24 hours, over a period of 3 months, from the making of the order. The length of the order is decided by the Court.
What is the aim of the Reparation Order?
The Reparation Order aims to prevent re-offending by ensuring that the young person is made aware of the consequences and impact of criminal activity.
The Reparation Order aims to encourage the young person to take responsibility for their actions and in doing so make amends to their victim or the community as a whole.
What will the young person have to do?
Direct Reparation:
Direct Reparation may involve the offender meeting his/her victim(s) in person to make a verbal apology. This is known as Victim Offender Mediation. (This type of reparation takes place only with the consent of both victim and offender).
Direct Reparation could require the offender to write a letter of apology and/or take part in practical activities, which directly benefit the victim.
Indirect Reparation:
The Reparation Order may specify that the young person undertake indirect reparation. This may involve a programme of work within the community. Examples of this work could be removing graffiti, environmental work, assisting retailers who have been victims of shoplifting etc.
What happens if the young person fails to co-operate?
At most 2 warnings within the period of the order may be given before BREACH PROCEEDINGS are issued.
BREACH PROCEEDINGS will involve the young person being returned to Court. The Court has the option to discharge the order and re-sentence for the original offence.
BREACH PROCEEDINGS can be taken at any stage of the order (regardless of the length of time it has to run), and without prior warning if the failure to comply is serious, such as an attempt to avoid its completion or serious misconduct.
What do parents and Guardian have to do?
- PARENTS/GUARDIANS should attend Court with the young person
- PARENTS/GUARDIANS should encourage the young person to appreciate fully the consequences of his/her offending behaviour
- Talk to the young person about the work they have been required to do
- They should ensure that the young person successfully completes the reparative activity assigned to him/her
- Work in partnership with the South Tyneside Youth Offending Service.
