Youth Justice Service

The Youth Justice Service is responsible for supporting children and young people aged 10-18 years old who have committed an offence or displaying behaviour that may indicate underlying need or vulnerabilities. In North East Lincolnshire we can our children and young people to live happy and successful lives and be the person they want to be. We work with a variety of other services to support children and young people and their families to make positive change.

Our ultimate aims are:

Divert children away from the formal youth justice system
Reduce crime and re-offending
Keep communities safer
Create better outcomes for children and victims

Read more in our Annual Youth Justice Plan (PDF, 343KB) .

I am a young person I am a parent or carer I am a victim or witness I want to volunteer

Information and advice for children and young people

Children are referred to the Youth Justice Service when:

They come into contact with the police or are arrested
Are charged with a crime and have to go to Court
Convicted of a crime and given a sentence by the Courts

You can find out more information through our leaflets below to help you understand what happens and what you need to do if you arrested, been referred to Youth Justice for Diversion or you have to go to court:

Our Your Voice Booklet (PDF, 343KB) also helps children understand what different options are available and how we gather your voice throughout your time with us to make sure you fully understand what is happening to you.

This booklet is not accessible.

Information and advice for parents and careers

As a parent or carer, it can be very worrying if your child is becoming involved in anti-social behaviour or crime. There are services there to help and support both you and your child.

In the first instance, we would advise that you talk to your child. Try to have a calm and open conversation about what is going on in their life and how they feel about their behaviour.

If you feel that you need further support your child’s school, Children’s Services, the police or any other agency that is involved with your child should be able to direct you to specialist services.

There are links below to some of the specialist services that work with children and young people.

Report a concern about a child

Information and support for victims

The Victims’ Code explains the rights that everyone will receive as a victim of crime, including anyone who has been a witness to a crime and suffered physical, emotional or financial harm as a result.

Whoever you are and whatever the crime, you have the right to be informed about the criminal justice process and the support available.

‘The Victims’ Code’ sets out the minimum standards for how police and justice agencies in England and Wales must support victims. It defines 12 key entitlements and ensures that victims are kept informed and supported from reporting a crime through to court.

The Youth Justice Victim Liaison Officer contacts victims who are referred by the police/courts and sends a directory of support services, and information leaflets on the Victims’ Code, and an under 18 version for child victims to ensure that victims understand their rights.

The Victim Liaison Officer works closely with Victim Support, Witness Care and The Victims Champion NEL and advocates on your behalf. You can read more about this support here Victims.

If you decide not to report the crime, you’re still able to get help and hear about the Victims’ Code from support services.

Youth Justice Service victim offer

Our Restorative Justice Coordinator and Victim Liaison Officer provide individualised support and involvement to victims who wish to participate. This includes receiving updates on the child’s progress, requesting letters of explanation from the child, providing a victim impact statement, support with making any necessary referrals, shuttle mediation and mediation. There is also an opportunity for direct reparation projects upon the victim’s request for the child to work towards directly repairing the harm caused.
Our team can help request reassurance visits from the police, support with target hardening, support with claims or external referrals and ensure that victim’s are supported and their voices are heard throughout every stage.

Contact the Victim Liaison Officer at 07979711069. In an emergency, call 999.

Victim and witness information
Fearless | Give information about crime 100% anonymously
Youth Justice Diversion Leaflet (PDF, 171KB)
Victims Code leaflet – Victims Code – Crime Leaflet
Victims code leaflet for under 18’s – The Victims’ Code: U18’s Young victims of crime: Understanding the support you should get

Volunteering – Referral Order Panel

When a child is sentenced to a referral order, a Referral Order panel will be held. This includes members of the community who volunteer to sit on the panel and work with the child, their parents/ carers/ guardians and victims to agree a ‘contract’ of intervention to repair the harm caused to the victim, support the child and prevent future incidents.

This process ensures that the child is supported to create a pro-social identity whilst ensuring that the victim’s voice is heard.

We are looking for volunteer panel members (18+) from every ethnic and social background, who are willing to represent their community and best support the child to achieve positive outcomes for everyone involved.

We are looking for volunteers who are supportive and excellent listeners.

If you are interested in becoming a panel member, please email our Restorative Justice Coordinator, Emily Knight, at [email protected] for further information.

Initial training will be provided to learn all the skills necessary to facilitate the panels. Regular supervision will also be provided upon completion of the initial training.

Expectations

To be able to dedicate time for the initial training. We will work around your schedule if necessary and complete training on evenings/ weekends.
To be able to dedicate a maximum of 2 hours per month for the panels. This is subject to how many children are sentenced to referral orders.
To obtain an understanding of the incident and recognise any barriers that the child may be facing by remaining professional and restorative throughout.
To work collaboratively and effectively with another panel member during the panels.
To be confident that all of the people attending the panel understand what this means and what is expected of them throughout the order.
To be proactive in understanding and focusing on the child’s strengths to encourage positive activities and pro-social identities.
To ensure that the child has their voice heard from the initial ‘contract’ stage and throughout.
To agree and sign to a contract of intervention for the child, holding both the YJS and child accountable if the work is not completed without reasonable excuse.