Reparation in the Youth Justice System

What reparation means

Reparation is a structured, restorative activity that helps a young person take responsibility in a meaningful, constructive way. It is not a punishment. Instead, it is designed to support healing, accountability, and positive change for everyone involved.

Through reparation, a young person can:

• Acknowledge the harm they caused
• Give something back to the victim or the wider community
• Learn from the experience and develop empathy
• Take responsibility in a practical, constructive way

Reparation is one of the clearest restorative elements in the youth justice system and is commonly included in Referral Orders and Youth Rehabilitation Orders.

Two types of reparation

Indirect reparation

If the victim does not want to be involved, or if direct reparation is not appropriate, the young person can complete indirect reparation by giving back to the community instead.

Examples of indirect reparation include:

• Taking part in community clean-ups
• Helping at charity shops
• Joining environmental projects
• Creating something positive for a local organisation

Indirect reparation still reinforces responsibility, accountability, and positive contribution to the wider
community.

Why reparation matters

Reparation is used in youth justice because it can:

• Help victims feel heard, respected, and acknowledged
• Encourage young people to reflect on their behaviour and make changes
• Build empathy, social responsibility, and understanding
• Strengthen ties between young people and their communities
• Reduce the likelihood of reoffending

When it is well planned and supervised, reparation can turn a negative incident into a constructive learning experience for the young person and a meaningful process for the victim.

Where reparation fits in sentencing

Reparation can be included in several types of youth justice outcomes, including:

• Referral Orders: reparation is often a central part of the contract agreed with the panel.
• Youth Rehabilitation Orders (YROs): reparation can be included as a specific requirement.
• Out-of-court disposals, such as Youth Cautions: reparation may be offered on a voluntary basis.

Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) organise and supervise reparation to make sure it is safe, meaningful, and achievable for the young person and appropriate for the victim or community.

What happens when a young person turns 18

When a young person in England and Wales turns 18, their position in the youth justice system changes, but it does not change overnight. The law recognises that they may still be serving youth sentences or working with the Youth Offending Team when they reach adulthood, so there are clear rules about how their case continues.

At 18, they are legally an adult and will be dealt with under the adult criminal justice system for any new offences. However, anything already in progress under youth justice does not simply stop.

Already serving a youth sentence at 18

Referral Order

Referral Orders must end by the time the young person turns 18. Youth Offender Panels cannot supervise adults, so the order cannot continue beyond their 18th birthday.

If they turn 18 while still on a Referral Order, the panel will usually:

• Bring the order to an early close, or
• Convert the remaining work into a short, achievable plan

Detention and Training Order (DTO)

If a young person is serving a Detention and Training Order when they turn 18, the sentence itself does not change, but the way it is supervised might.

• The custody part of the DTO may continue past 18.
• The community supervision part may transfer to adult probation.

On bail or awaiting sentence at 18

If a young person turns 18 before their case is completed, they will usually be sentenced in the adult magistrates’ court, unless the case is already in the youth court.

• Adult sentencing guidelines will apply.
• The court can still consider their age at the time of the offence, which may reduce the severity of the
  sentence.

This is important: the age at the time of the offence matters, not just the age at the time of the court hearing.

Committing a new offence after turning 18

If a person commits a new offence after their 18th birthday, they are treated as an adult offender. This means:

• They appear in adult courts.
• Adult sentencing guidelines apply.
• They are supervised by adult probation services.
• Youth disposals, such as Referral Orders or YROs, are no longer available.

However, the court may still take their maturity and background into account when deciding on an appropriate sentence.

Supervision changes at 18

Youth Offending Teams are designed to work with children and young people under 18. When someone turns 18, their supervision may change.

• They may transition to adult probation services.
• They may remain with the Youth Offending Team for a short period to support continuity.

This transition is usually planned carefully so that the young person does not “fall through the gaps” between youth and adult services.

Why the transition to adulthood matters

Turning 18 is a major shift in the justice system because:

• Adult sentences are generally more punitive than youth sentences.
• There is usually less emphasis on welfare, education, and support.
• Support services and entitlements can change.
• Expectations of personal responsibility increase.

Youth justice services aim to prepare young people for this shift, so they can maintain their progress and avoid being drawn further into the criminal justice system.