Professionals who get together to decide whether an out of court resolution should be given to a child, and if so, which out of court resolution is appropriate.
They are required to consider information about the offence, the child’s circumstances and needs, and the victim’s views. As a minimum, the panel should comprise of the following:
- a police decision maker
- a YJS team manager
- a representative from children’s social care and education.
It is also good practice to include a range of partners, such as health services, early help services and a victim representative. Other professionals can be included on a one-off or permanent basis. Joint decision-making between the police and the YJS should take place, but in instances where there is disagreement, the final decision rests with the police.
The child and/or parents should not be present, but the YJS should ensure that they have spoken with the child and their carer(s) to make sure they are engaged in the process. The YJS should represent the voice of the child in the discussion.