Reparation orders

• What is a reparation order?
• What is the aim of a reparation order?
• If you are a young person who is subject to a reparation order, what does this involve?
• What happens if you don’t co-operate with the reparation order?
• What if you have problems with the programme?
• Further information

What is a reparation order?

A reparation order is a non-custodial sentence of a court (usually a youth court), which will be supervised by a member of the youth offending team.

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What is the aim of a reparation order?

The aim of a reparation order is to prevent a young person (between the ages of 10 and 17) from further offending. It does this by helping the young person to understand the effects of crime on the victim and to make amends.

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If you are a young person who is subject to a reparation order, what does this involve?

1. You will be required to perform a programme of work, not exceeding a total of 24 hours, within a three months period from the making of the order.
2. A member of the youth offending team will arrange to meet you in order to explain the details of the work programme.
3. You may be asked to:
   • Attend some group sessions to hear the effect that crime can have on victims and the community
   • Write a letter, to the victim of your crime, to apologise for your actions
   • Meet the victim, if he or she wishes, so that you can apologise in person
   • Carry out some practical work for the victim or the community.
4. You will need to:
   • Keep all the appointments given to you by the youth offending team officer
   • Tell your youth offending team officer if you change address
   • Allow your youth offending team officer to see you at home when required
   • Do the things that are set for you in your reparation plan programme.

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What happens if you don’t co-operate with the reparation order?

If you don’t do as above:

Your youth offending team officer will ask you for an explanation. They will then decide if your reason is acceptable or not.

If you fail to keep more than two appointments without an acceptable reason, you will be you will be returned to the youth court. The youth court may:

• Tell you to complete the order
• Fine you up to £1,000
• Impose an attendance centre order
• Discharge the order and sentence you in a different way for the original offence.

If your reparation order was made in the crown court, you may be committed back to the crown court for re-sentence.

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What if you have problems with the programme?

We want your reparation plan order to succeed. If you have any problems with attendance, or other problems in completing the order, you should let your youth offending team officer know as soon as possible.

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Further information

Contact: Tower Hamlets Youth Offending Team, St. Mary’s Church Hall, Kitcat Terrace, London, E3 2SA.
E-mail: youthoffending@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7364 1144
Fax: 0208 983 9911

Pid No: 177