Swindon Youth Justice Service

At Swindon Youth Justice Service, we support children and young people by getting to know their story and understanding who they are.

Rather than simply trying to stop them from getting into trouble, we help them build confidence, recognise their strengths and make positive choices.

For example, young people full of beans thanks to mobile café training opportunities.

What we do

When we first meet a child or young person, we usually carry out an assessment. This helps us understand what may have led to them getting into trouble or committing an offence, and what risks they may pose to themselves or others.

We complete the assessment by speaking with the child or young person, and also with people involved in their life, such as:

• parents or carers
• school staff
• social workers
• health professionals

Where possible, we will also speak to the victim of the offence.

What happens when a child or young person gets into trouble?

Children and young people can be dealt with in different ways depending on the circumstances. This decision is made by the police or the courts and will depend on the type of offence and the young person’s understanding of their behaviour.

Diversion and support

If it is a first or second offence, and the child or young person has not been to court before, the police may offer a diversion opportunity. This means the young person can work with the Youth Justice Service without receiving a criminal record.

This support comes with specific conditions. If the young person or their family does not engage with the plan, the case may be sent to court for a more formal outcome.

Going to court

If a child or young person goes to court, they must be accompanied by a parent or carer and represented by a solicitor. The Youth Justice Service will also be present to offer support.

Children and young people in Swindon may attend one of two courts:

• Swindon Youth Court - Located in the town centre opposite the Wyvern Theatre. This is a closed court (not open to the public).
• Swindon Crown Court - Located on Islington Street, across the road from the Youth Court. This is usually an open court unless the judge says otherwise.

The Youth Justice Legal Centre has produced a helpful video explaining what happens in youth court and what to expect. Watch the video on the Youth Justice Legal Centre website.

How we work with children and young people open to YJS

We offer a wide range of support tailored to each young person’s needs. This may include:

• building on strengths and working towards future goals
• education, employment and training
• understanding the harm and helping young people repair the harm
• reparation and paying back for the harm the young person has caused
• drugs and alcohol work
• communication support
• support with physical, emotional and mental health
• speech and language support
• voluntary opportunities
• family and parenting support, advice and guidance

Swindon Youth Justice Service