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Tasks

Children in custody

Task  Young people and the law 

In England and Wales, individuals under 18 who are sentenced to custody are sent to secure centres for children, not adult prisons. The reason for a child being sent to custody is if the offence is serious enough that a fine or community sentence cannot be justified. A child may also be sent to custody on remand. The Youth Custody Service will determine which centre the child is sent to, taking into consideration an assessment by the Youth Justice Service, the child’s needs, and their age and gender. The chosen centre will be the one best suited for caring for the child and closest to their home. Note that youth justice systems may differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Secure Children’s Home (SCH) Finder

Task  Young people and the law 

There are 14 individually managed Secure Children’s Homes throughout England and Wales encompassing a range of services within a secure environment that support the individual needs of the children in its care. They provide placements for boys and girls aged between 10 and 17 and include full residential care, educational facilities and healthcare provision.

Prisoners’ Property Policy Framework

Task  Policy Frameworks 

Rules and guidance on the handling of personal belongings that prisoners are allowed so that they are managed safely and effectively.

How do I send money to someone in prison

Task  How do I guides How do I? Prisons and probation 

You can use the Ministry of Justice online service to make a payment by Visa, Mastercard or Maestro debit card. Money usually takes less than 3 working days to reach a prisoner’s account, but it may take longer.

What support is given to children and young people who are arrested?

Task  How do I guides Young people and the law 

The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales is 10 years old. This means that children under 10 can’t be arrested or charged with a crime. 

What is a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) and how can I challenge it?

Task  Courts, sentencing and tribunals How do I guides 

A judge or magistrates could impose orders on offenders as well as a sentence. These orders are known as ancillary orders and an SCPO is an example. SCPO stands for Serious Crime Prevention Order and it is a civil order to prevent a serious crime.

What is a Detention and Training Order? (DTO)?

Task  How do I guides Young people and the law 

A Detention and Training Order (DTO) is a custodial sentence given by a Youth Magistrate or Crown Court for people aged 12-17 years. A DTO is used when young people commit a serious offence or a number of offences.  It is classed as a conviction and recorded on the Police National Computer.  The aim of a DTO is that upon completion, young people are helped to stop offending through training and education.

What are the different types of Temporary Licence that prisoners can be released under?

Task  How do I guides How do I? Prisons and probation 

Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) means being able to leave prison for a short period of time.

How can I request a social care needs assessment?

Task  How do I guides Statutory rights 

It is possible to request a needs assessment for yourself, on behalf of someone else, or a hospital can make a referral.

Offending behaviour programmes

Task  How do I guides Prisons and probation 

Offending behaviour programmes (OBPs) are courses to help you change how you think, feel (your attitude) and behave so you won’t re-offend in the future. The court may order you to enrol in a programme as part of your sentence. It could also be a part of your community order or a condition of your release from prison. OBPs are widely offered in prisons and are an important part of the parole process.