Youth offending FAQs

On 1 June 2000 the system of cautions by the police changed.  Young people are now reprimanded if they admit a first minor offence, a further offence results in a final warning and a third offence will result in a charge and a court appearance.  If the first offence is not minor, they may immediately receive the final warning, and if the first offence is serious, they may be immediately charged to appear at court. 

After a final warning, police officers in the Youth Offending Service contact the young person and the family to involve the young person in a remedial programme.  During the programme, the police officers also contact the victim to find out whether direct reparation or mediation is requested by the victim.