What happens when I turn 18 in the youth justice system?

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 young people may still be serving youth sentences or working with the Youth Offending Team (YOT) when they reach adulthood, so there are clear rules about how their case continues.

Here’s how it works in practice.

What happens at 18

You legally become an adult

At 18, you will now be dealt with under the adult criminal justice system for any new offences. However, anything already in progress under youth justice does not just stop.

Already serving a youth sentence

Youth Rehabilitation Order (YRO)

A Youth Rehabilitation Order (YRO) continues past 18 until it naturally ends.

The supervision may shift from the Youth Offending Team to adult probation, depending on:

  • The young person’s needs
  • The intensity of the order
  • Local arrangements

The requirements themselves stay the same unless a court formally changes them.

Referral Order

Referral Orders must end by the time you turn 18.

If you turn 18 while still on the order, the Youth Offender Panel will usually:

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

Panels cannot supervise adults, so the order cannot continue beyond 18.

Detention and Training Order (DTO)

If you are serving a Detention and Training Order (DTO):

  • The custody part may continue past 18
  • The community supervision part may be transferred to adult probation

The sentence itself does not change, but the agency supervising you might.

On bail or awaiting sentence

If you turn 18 before their case is completed:

  • You will be sentenced in the adult magistrates’ court (unless the case is already in the youth court)
  • Adult sentencing guidelines apply
  • The court may still consider their age at the time of the offence, which can reduce the severity

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

Committing a new offence after turning 18

You will be treated as an adult offender:

  • Adult courts
  • Adult sentencing
  • Adult probation
  • No youth disposals like Referral Orders or Youth Rehabilitation Orders (YROs)

However, the court may still consider your maturity and background.

Supervision changes at 18

Youth Offending Teams are designed for under-18s. When someone turns 18:

  • You may transition to adult probation, or
  • You may remain with the YOT for a short period if it supports continuity

This transition is planned carefully to avoid a young person “falling through the gaps”.

Why this transition matters

Turning 18 is a major shift because:

  • Adult sentences are generally more punitive
  • There is less emphasis on welfare and education
  • Support services change
  • Expectations of responsibility increase

Youth justice tries to prepare young people for this shift, so they do not lose progress.