What We Do
Role of The Youth Conference Service
| The Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 defines the principle aim of the youth justice system ‘to protect the public by preventing offending’. It provides the authority for restorative models and for the establishment of the Youth Conference Service, located in the Youth Justice Agency. |
The Youth Conference Service is empowered by statute to facilitate restorative justice conferences between children and young people aged from 10 until their 18th birthday who offend and their victims. These Conferences are arranged either at the request of the Public Prosecutor, known as Diversionary Youth Conferences, or the Court and these are known as Court-ordered Youth Conferences.
| The Youth Conference Service aims to balance the needs of the victim and the young person who offends by agreeing plans of action which satisfy the victim and create opportunities for the young person to make amends and stop committing crime. Click here to download a PDF Information Leaflet on the Youth Conference Service |
The Role of Youth Conference Co-Ordinators
Youth Conference Co-ordinators are responsible for convening and chairing Youth Conferences. They ensure the presence of all relevant parties at youth conferences and aid in the process of designing and agreeing Youth Conference Plans. Youth Conference Co-ordinators are also responsible for motivating and encouraging young people to complete the requirements of Youth Conference Plans.
The Role of Case Managers
Case Managers attend Youth Court to meet all new referrals to the Youth Conference Service. They gather information about the young person and arrange an appointment with the Youth Conference Co-ordinator. Case Managers are responsible for case administration and work closely with Youth Conference Co-ordinators ensuring all cases are processed to meet legislative and internal standards and timescales.
