Young Offenders

Anyone that is under the age of 21 could have a number of sentences imposed on them. In the UK there is an emphasis on rehabilitation of offenders where this is possible by sending them to institutions that can help them modify their behaviour.

Very young children between the ages of 12-16 can be sent to a secure children’s home. Local authorities run these institutions. Young Offenders Institutions (YOIs) are for offenders between the ages of 15 and 21. The prison service runs these institutions that have a focus on education. Secure Training Centres are for offenders up the age of 17. They offer vocational training and education.

If you are a repeat offender, and between the ages of 12 and 17 the court may decide that the best way to punish you and offer you rehabilitation is to use a Detention and Training Order (DTO). You will be sent to an institution for between 4 months and 2 years. Half of your sentence will be spent in the institution itself, with the second half spent in the community under the supervision of the Youth Offending Team.

If the offence that you have committed means it will be heard at the Crown Court and the offence if committed by an adult could receive a sentence of 14 years or more, you could be sentenced under Section 90/91. Section 90 is for murder, with section 91 available if the court wants to impose a longer sentence.