... and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 further developed the restorative justice approach with the creation of referral orders (ibid). Referral orders are said to 'bring home to young offenders what they have done' (Home Office 2003: 13). It is directed at young people without any prior convictions, and is 'one of the most important forms of restorative justice in the Youth Justice System' (Home Office 2003: 15). The offender attends a Youth Offending Panel (YOP) whereby the panel agrees a programme with the offender to make reparation and tackle the root of their offending (Home Office 2003; 62). These can include a number of activities such as curfews and programmes of community reparation. Examples of which have included attending the local hospital to see consequences of actions, and peer mentoring courses (Home Office 2003: 13). The panels also allow victims to play a part in the process if they wish. ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now