Going to Youth Bureau
The Youth Bureau
What is the Bureau?
This is a panel made up of a representative from:
- South Wales Police
- Bridgend Youth Offending Service
- a member of the community appointed by the Youth Justice Service (YJS) and Police
What is its purpose?
The purpose of the Bureau is to make a decision on the most appropriate way to deal with an offence.
This may include options such as:
- youth restorative disposal
- caution
- conditional caution
- The Bureau will deal with the majority of offences without referring them to court, however in certain circumstances this may be the most appropriate course of action.
How will the Bureau reach its decision?
A case will be referred to the Youth Justice Service (YJS) who will carry out a detailed assessment of all issues relating to the offending and devise an action plan to deal with it. This will involve:
- an arranged home visit by an YJS Officer to meet with the young person and their parent(s) / carers
- the YJS Restorative team will make contact with the identified victim(s) in order to seek their views
- the presentation of a written report to the Bureau containing information and recommendations that will assist the decision making process
When the Bureau meets, it will carefully consider:
- the seriousness of the offence(s)
- the extent to which the young person is taking responsibility for their actions.
- the young person’s response during the assessment period.
- the voluntary action plan that may have been agreed with the YJS.
A joint decision will then be made on the case.
Pre-court intervention
Youth Restorative Disposal
The youth restorative disposal is a voluntary programme aimed at addressing a young person’s offending behaviour.
Youth Caution
The youth caution is a voluntary programme aimed at addressing the causes of a young person’s offending behaviour. Whilst the programme is voluntary, failure to comply with this intervention would be a consideration in the choice of any future disposal options.
Youth Conditional Caution
The youth conditional caution is a formal out of court disposal with compulsory intervention. Failure to comply with the requirements of a Youth Conditional Caution can involve prosecution for the original offence.
If you have been bailed to attend the Youth Bureau and would like more information please contact us.