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Information for victims of crime committed by young
people in the Kirklees area |
The
1998 Crime and Disorder Act made significant changes to the Youth
Justice system, the two most important changes being the setting up
of Youth Offending Teams and giving the victims of crime a chance
to be heard.
The Kirklees Youth Offending Team consists of a partnership between
Police, Social Services, Probation, Careers, Education, Health and
voluntary agencies.
Our aim is to prevent and reduce offending by young people in our
area and we believe that the best way to do this is by ensuring that
young people understand the harm their behaviour has caused, take
responsibility for their actions and attempt to make amends to the
victim and / or the community.
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| "What
has this got to do with me?" |
The
crime you experienced may have left you with many questions and feelings
that do not easily go away. In our experience victims of crime often
want to know the answers to questions like:
- Why did it happen to me?
- Does the young person realise the harm caused?
- Is it going to happen again?
- What sort of person would do this?
- What do their family think of their behaviour?
Letting the young person know how you feel about what they did and
how it affected you will help them face up to the consequences of
their behaviour and can help reduce the chance of them committing
further offences.
Also, taking part in this scheme could play a part in helping you
come to terms with the harm you have suffered. We also expect the
young person to take action to make amends for the harm they have
caused.
Victims of crime who decide to take part will have their needs and
wishes taken into account and will be fully supported in any choices
they make. Participation in the scheme is completely voluntary.
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"How could this be done?" |
There
are a number of ways in which you may choose to take part in the scheme:
- Receiving a letter of apology from the young person.
- Attending a victim/offender conference where you would have
the opportunity to ask questions of the young person and let them
know directly how the offence affected you.
- If you do not wish to meet with the offender, you could choose
to have your views passed on by one of our workers.
- You may wish to consider work for the young person to carry
out on your behalf or for the local community.
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"What will happen next?" |
A member
of the Youth Offending Team may contact you to let you know what is
happening to the young person and to discuss any involvement you may
wish to have.
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| Further
information |
If
you have any questions or concerns about anything contained in this
page; or if you require further information please contact the Youth
Offending Team during office hours, and ask for the Restorative Justice
Officer or the Duty Officer.
Karen Dews: 01484 226263
Wendy Gill: 01924 482118
Or, contact Kirklees Victim Support: 01484 511112
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