How successful are referral orders?

Effectiveness of referral orders The published data shows referral orders consistently more effective than other sentences, in that young people given a referral order are less likely to reoffend than those given other types of sentence.

Is a referral order a conviction?

Is it classed as a conviction? Yes.

Can you revoke a referral order?

Presently, when an offender is referred back to court and where the court agrees with the panel that the offender has breached the contract, the court has the power to revoke the referral order and resentence the offender. However, this can have a disruptive effect on the delivery of restorative justice.

When must the court impose a referral order?

A referral order may be imposed where a youth has pleaded guilty to at least one of the offences before the court for sentence, regardless of previous convictions. The length of the order must be for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 12 months.

Who are the youth offenders referral order panel?

Youth offender panel, “Referral Order panel”, “panel”– two volunteers from the local area who will meet with the child who has offended (and parents or carers where relevant), and facilitate a restorative process.

What is the referral order guidance for 2018?

Referral Order Guidance (2018 revision) Introduction This slide pack has been developed to support Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) introduce and embed the 2018 revisions to the statutory Referral Order guidance.

When to use a referral order in court?

1. A referral order is the community sentence most often used by the courts when dealing with 10 to 17 year olds, particularly for first time offenders who plead guilty. Referral orders require that an offender must agree a contract of rehabilitative and restorative elements to be completed within the sentence.

Can a referral order be revoked for a new offence?

7. Clause 35 provides the court with discretion over whether to revoke an existing referral order for further or additional offences. The court may now impose a short single Youth Rehabilitation Order requirement, a fine or a new referral order for further offences without having to revoke the existing referral order.