Unless their crime is serious enough to warrant being taken into custody, a young person (aged 10-17) who pleads guilty on a first-time conviction will be referred by the courts to a Youth Offender Panel.

Introduced nationally in 2002, Youth Offender Panels consist of a member of the Youth Offending Team and two volunteers from the local community. They talk to the young person, the parents and (where possible) the victim of the crime, to agree a tailor-made contract aimed at putting things right.

The contract might include sending a letter of apology to the victim and undertaking some useful local work such as removing graffiti or helping clean up an area. It could also include activities to prevent further offending, such as getting back into school and help with alcohol or drug misuse.

The contract is supervised by the Youth Offending Team and reviewed at regular panel meetings. The conviction is spent when the order is successfully completed. If the young person fails to comply, the case is sent back to court and a different sentence may be given.

Volunteers on Youth Offender Panels don't need to have any previous experience of the criminal justice system or working with young people. The whole idea is to involve a mix of people from the local community in working with young people who have committed crimes.

We spoke to Sandra Beeton about what it's like to be a volunteer on a Youth Offender Panel.

Why did you first become interested in Youth Offender Panels?

I have a deep interest in the realities of justice for ordinary members of the community as opposed to the judiciary, particularly in the use of restorative justice as a means for citizens to participate in, and contribute to, the order and social justice in their neighbourhoods.

Why did you decide to volunteer?

I have no qualifications in legal matters (I'm an accountant by training), but I wanted to make direct contribution to the social justice process, so volunteering was the best option.

Did you have any initial reservations?

Yes, because I had previously been dismayed to find how appallingly children and young people are routinely treated in the criminal justice system, and was sceptical that referral orders would be beneficial. I can't say that I am satisfied that the process is unequivocally effective in steering young people away from crime but it shows them that some members of the community believe in them and are seeking their best interests as opposed to demonising them.

What's been the most satisfying thing about the role?

Listening to and learning about some of the appalling circumstances young people have to face in their personal lives, and being part of a developmental process, as opposed to engaging in the outright condemnation so often found in the press.

How much time does it take?

As a Panel member I do a couple of sessions a week, about one hour per session. However, my role as Chair of the Association of Panel Members takes up almost every waking hour!

What's been the biggest challenge?

Setting up the Association in the face of little or no institutional support and zero prospects of funding - dispiriting!

What advice would you give to someone considering applying to volunteer for a Youth Offender Panel?

Do it.

Read more about Youth Offender Panels, including how to apply to be a volunteer.

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