To provide information to the court about you and your offence to help them decide how to deal with you...

What are they?

They are reports which give information about you and your offence to the Court.

What will they be used for?

The information in the reports will be used by Judges or Magistrates to help them decide what sentence to give you.

So who writes the report?

Someone from the local Youth Offending Team who will meet with you and normally with your parents.

What will they want to know?

They will need to know all about your offence

• what triggered it
• how and where you did it
• whether your offending has something to do with your history or background
• whether there is any risk of you getting into more trouble again
• Which sentence will be most suitable for you and what things you should be asked to as part of the sentence - for example, to attend school or to receive help with any misuse of drugs
• Whether your parents should also be asked to attend sessions to assist in their parenting.

The youth offending team worker will ask you and your parents if you mind them talking to other people who know you. This could be a social worker or other people who are important in your life. If you are still at school this will always mean talking to your school.

Who has a copy of the report?

• You
• Your parent or carer
• Your solicitor or barrister
• The judge or magistrate
• Your social worker
• The court clerk
• A community based scheme, attendance centre or custodial establishment that you have to attend as part of your sentence
• Other people may also be given a copy with your agreement

Is there anything else?

The Youth Offending Team Worker will try to write a report which gives a clear picture of you and why you are in trouble. It helps the court decide on the most suitable sentence for you.

BUT REMEMBER … You, your parents or carers or or your solicitor will still have the chance to put your point of view after the report has been read by the court. If you think anything written about you is not true or unfair, you can say so. If the court agrees with you an amendment will be attached to the report

What if I think I'm being treated unfairly?

We will not tell anyone else things you have told us about yourself without discussing it with you first - unless you are placing yourself or others at risk.

But the youth offending service is made up of workers from Devon social services, education, health, police and probation. Information about you may be shared within the service as part of our joint working arrangement.

You have the right to be treated fairly, openly and with respect at all times. You will also be expected to treat the people who have contact with you , with similar respect.

If you have a complaint about how you are being treated you should first discuss it with youth offending team worker.If you continue to be unhappy you should contact your local youth offending team manager.