Youth offending teams

Youth offending teams work with young people that get into trouble with the law.

They look into the background of a young person and try to help them stay away from crime.

They also:

  • run local crime prevention programmes
  • help young people at the police station if they’re arrested
  • help young people and their families at court
  • supervise young people serving a community sentence
  • stay in touch with a young person if they’re sentenced to custody

Find your local youth offending team.

When you may come into contact with a youth offending team

The youth offending team gets involved if a young person:

  • gets into trouble with the police or is arrested
  • is charged with a crime and has to go to court
  • is convicted of a crime and given a sentence

Usually, the police are the first people to contact the youth offending team. But family members and friends can also contact them if they’re worried about a young person’s behaviour.

Who youth offending teams are

Youth offending teams are part of your local council and are separate from the police and the courts.

They work with:

  • the police
  • probation officers
  • health, housing and children’s services
  • schools and education authorities
  • charities and the local community

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