Facing up to it

In April, the Government launches a revolution in dealing with young offenders facing their first visit to court.

Called Referral Orders, the new system will put young criminals before a panel which will include their victim, who will get to have their say.

Orders will be given to 10 to 17-year-olds pleading guilty to their first conviction, depending on the severity of the case.

The Warrington system is being co-ordinated by the town's Youth Offending Team (YOT) - a group made up of the health authority, police, probation, borough council and youth service among others.

They are keen to find people, aged over 18, to serve on the Youth Offender Panels in Warrington before April and they hope younger members of the community will sign up.

Panels, consisting of two volunteers from the local community and a member of the YOT, will talk to the youngster, together with the parents and the victim, to agree a contract aimed at putting things right.

The contract might include a letter of apology to the victim, removing graffiti or cleaning up communities and will also include activities to prevent further offending, such as help with alcohol or drug misuse.

The youngster must agree to the contract, and comply with it, otherwise they will be sent back to court to be sentenced.

Eleven pilot schemes are already running around the country and early results show the face-to-face meeting can be a powerful experience for both parties.

John Hart, deputy head of the YOT, said: "This is a new radical change which affords the victim of the crime a voice in the process of restoring the damage caused by the offender.

"The pilots have shown that offenders find it traumatic having to face the victim of the crime. This can have a very positive effect on the offenders' future behaviour."

Panel members will undergo an intensive training week before being put into action.

Anyone interested in finding out more can call 0191 497 9332.