Youth Justice Pilots Evaluation: Interim report on reparative work and youth offending teams

Source: (2000) London: Home Office, Research, Development and Statistics Directorate. Downloaded 8 February 2005.

As part of the ongoing evaluation of the pilot Youth Justice Pilots, visits were made to each of the full YOT pilots during May/June 1999 to investigate the processes relating to victim contact, mediation and reparation work being undertaken under the auspices of the Crime and Disorder Act. Within each pilot area interviews were conducted with at least one member of the YOT with responsibility for reparation work, together with a representative from any other agency contracted to deliver reparation services to the YOT1. This brief report is intended to provide a snapshot of progress made and, in particular, to identify issues that have arisen during the first six months that the pilots have been operational. It is intended to inform the guidance that will be provided to future youth offending teams to enable them to increase the effectiveness of the reforms. The report provides an overview of restorative interventions being developed under the auspices of the Crime
and Disorder Act, and progress to date in implementing the Act’s victim consultation and reparation provisions. The report discusses issues relating to victim consultation and assessment, mediation, reparative interventions and the role and expectations of the courts. It also provides a summary of key policy recommendations and ‘good practice’ proposals suggested by this evaluation. (excerpt)