Family and the Youth Court

Helping the young person through

The court must look at what the family group conference suggests before dealing with a charge against a young person.

The young person's family can help them carry out a plan. When the plan has been completely carried out to the satisfaction of the victim, police and family, the charge will usually be withdrawn or discharged by the court.

If a plan isn't carried out, the judge can order another family group conference to be held.

People who went to the first family group conference can ask it to meet again, to reconsider the plan or make a new one

The family will be asked to take responsibility for a young person released on bail to live at home. Bail conditions often include a curfew – the times a young person is allowed to be away from home.

When someone under 16 has admitted a charge or had one proven against them, the court can make an order against a parent or guardian, including:

• reparation, or
• costs

These orders can't be made until the parent or guardian has been given notice, and had a chance to come to court and have their say.