Youth Justice Service
The Devon Youth Justice Service works with young people who get into trouble with the law.
They are made up of a team of specialists, including:
- social workers
- probation officers
- police officers
- reparation workers
- victim workers
- mental health practitioners
- education workers
- speech and language therapists
- youth offending team officers
- volunteer community panel members
They also work closely with other specialist services such as Y-SMART – Devon’s drug and alcohol service for under 18s and Careers South West.
What they do
If you commit an offence, they will speak to you about what happened and how they can help. They will agree a plan with you, and help you to change your behaviour so that you can move on with your life, and, where necessary, get back to college or school.
Mission Statement
Our aim is for the youth justice system in Devon to see all children as children, to treat them fairly and to help them to build on their strengths so they can make a positive contribution to society.
Our goal is to keep children safe, to keep other people safe and to repair the harm caused to victims, making Devon a safer place for all.
Our belief is that, by developing meaningful relationships with children, and working closely with the people closest to them and our partner agencies, we can better succeed at our joint target of diverting children away from harmful behaviour.
Above all, our aim is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and to promote equality of opportunity.
Who the service is for
The service is available to young people aged from 10 to 17 years old.
Usually, the police contact them when someone has committed an offence and they work with young people who are given a court order. However, sometimes family members and friends contact them if they are worried about young person’s behaviour.
The Youth Justice Legal Centre has produced some useful videos for young people to explain police stop and search, what happens after arrest and what to expect at the youth court.
How to contact them
For North and West Devon please call 01271 388150
For Central, East and South Devon please call 01392 384978
Alternatively you can email devonyjs@devon.gov.uk
Opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and on Fridays from 9am to 4pm.
Offices are located at Barbican House, 5 Barbican Close, Barnstaple, EX32 9HE and Ivybank, 45 St Davids Hill, Exeter, EX4 4DN