Frequently asked questions

• Can I help change the youth offending service?
• What happens if I'm not happy with the service offered to me?
• If I do everything that is asked of me can I finish my order early?
• What happens if I do not attend my youth offending appointments?
• What happens if I don't feel safe, have been hurt or am a victim of crime?
• Where can I find more information about youth offending?

---

Can I help change the youth offending service?

You are important in helping us decide the way we work and we listen to you to help us improve our service. You can take part in lots of groups that help the youth offending service (YOS). You can help us make DVDs used for training and informing the public and other agencies. It can be very rewarding and help improve your confidence and skills. If you’re involved in this you may go to sessions where subjects that affect young people are talked about. You may be asked your opinion on how the community and YOS can improve services to prevent reoffending.

What you and your parents/carers have told us:

• We want to know exactly what is going to happen to us in court and after - in words we can understand.
• We want to see the same YOS worker throughout our sentence.
• If you say you're going to do or get something for us - keep to it or tell us if things have changed. Don't lie to us.
• We're worried about what is going to happen especially if we go to custody - we need to be told what to expect and what the process is.
• Just because we commit crimes it doesn't mean we are stupid - treat us with respect and help us to stop our offending behaviour.

[Back to top]

What happens if I’m not happy with the service offered to me?

If you or your parents/carers do not think you are getting a fair service or being treated properly, we want to know. Ask to speak to a member of staff so we can work things out.

• You can contact us by telephone on 01752 306999
• Speak to anyone working with you
• Ask to see a manager
• Write to a manager
• Complete a complaints form

Your complaint will be taken very seriously and we will tell you what happens. You will continue to receive a service while your complaint is being investigated.

[Back to top]

If I do everything that is asked of me can I finish my order early?

There is a process called 'revocation of an order' - this needs to be decided by the court. If you are intent on following the plan your worker draws up with you and you maintain this your worker can recommend to the court that your sentence is revoked.

What happens if I do not attend my youth offending appointments?

If you don't do what you're asked or commit another offence you’ll go back to court.

What happens if I don't feel safe, have been hurt or am a victim of crime?

Please talk to a worker so that we can help you. We might have to tell someone else but we will let you know what's happening and if something needs to be done.

[Back to top]

Where can I find more information about youth offending?

Fearless

Fearless is run by the charity Crimestoppers and is for young people. It has facts about the law and how it affects you. It also promotes a safe environment for you to talk about crime that has affected you, and gives you information on how to report crime anonymously.

Direct Gov

Direct Gov is the UK Government's website and has a section on crime and justice aimed at young people. It includes useful information on different subjects including what happens if you end up in court, your rights if you are searched by the police and what you can expect if you witness a crime or become a victim of crime.

The Site

The law section of The Site has facts and information for young people on your rights, what happens if you get in trouble, staying safe and weapons. You can also search for local advice and you can listen toaudio files on gangs, violent crime and the police.

The Zone

The Zone offers a wide range of information, advice and support services for 13 to 25 year olds in Plymouth and the surrounding area.

[Back to top]