What is Reparation and how does it work in Youth Justice?

Reparation is a practical way to compensate for a loss, suffering or damage caused by a crime. In terms of criminal justice, reparation is used as a method to make an offender repair some of the harm to an individual victim or the wider community.  

Reparation and Youth Justice

For certain crimes, a Court may give a young offender a ‘Reparation Order’. A Reparation Order is used to make a young offender understand the consequences of their actions, and to take responsibility for their behaviour.

If a young person receives a Reparation Order they have to repair the damage their actions have caused either directly to the victim or indirectly to the community. An example of a victim focused Reparation Order would be mediation between the victim and offender. An example of a community focused Reparation Order would be something practical to improve the community, like removing graffiti.

Reparation Orders are overseen by a Youth Offending Team. To find out more about YOTs please visit the youth justice board website.

When a young offender is given a Reparation Order, the YOT will work with them to ensure that the requirements of the Order are being met. The YOT will also support a young offender to change their behaviours so that they can stop offending.