Facing up to their actions is difficult

"We often see kids who have acted under peer pressure and don't think through or appreciate the consequences of their actions," said the Central Trains employee, from Barbourne, Worcester.

"So it's important they are completely honest with us.

"In their own words they explain exactly what they did, what motivated them to do it and how they felt, which is often very revealing.

"In return, the panel tries to ensure one stupid mistake - providing that is what it is - does not result in a criminal record which stays with the offender for life."

However, the success of the first year proves youth offender panels are by no means a soft option for young tearaways.

"Explaining what you want to do with your life is very difficult in front of a panel of strangers, and the kids feel uncomfortable and remember the experience," said the ex-prison service employee.

"Some offenders have been in tears because they are so sorry and others, between the court order and the panel hearing, have already changed their group of friends, returned to school and so on.

Rewarding

"It's very satisfying when a young offender sorts themselves out.

"Although you can't get too involved in a case, some are very memorable and stick in your mind.

"I have dealt with about 30 in a year and it has been a very rewarding experience.

Steering kids away from a life of crime

A GOVERNMENT-led scheme to cut crimes by children and young people is being hailed a success on its first anniversary.

Referral orders were first used across Worcestershire last April, as part of a national scheme to steer children away from a life of crime.

Under the order, all young offenders appearing in court for the first time who plead guilty and do not receive a custodial sentence are referred to their local youth offender panel.

The panel is comprised of trained volunteers from the community, a Youth Offending Team worker and the offender's parents or carer.

The victim of the crime is also invited.

In a face-to-face meeting, all parties agree a contract that helps the young person steer clear of trouble in future, and makes amends to the victim and the community.

"We have been very pleased with the first year," said Peter Heath, restorative justice manager for Worcestershire and Herefordshire youth offending service.

Intimidated

"Though the youngsters said they felt intimidated by the panel initially, the overall experience was a positive one and less daunting than court appearances."

Only 16 youths in the South Worcestershire area re-offended out of a total of 128 referral orders.

Across the two counties, the re-offending rate remained only one in eight.

"The numbers of young people given referral orders is very much as we predicted but the scheme has worked better than expected," said Mr Heath.

"Often offenders try and depersonalise their crimes by telling themselves they are not affecting anyone else.

"But when they see members of the community in front of them it can really have an effect."

The court determines the length of the contract - between three and 12 months - depending on the seriousness of the offence.

The panels can then choose from a variety of recommendations, including family counselling, victim awareness programmes, drug or alcohol rehabilitation and motoring offenders groups if necessary.

If the contract is broken - as in three cases in South Worcestershire - the offender returns to court where an alternative sentence can be given.

Not only does the scheme aim to keep youths out of trouble but it can also benefit the victims of crime.

"When they see it's a kid who has acted irresponsibly and not some sort of monster it can put the crime in perspective and help the victim overcome it," said Mr Heath.

However, only 28 victims have joined panels in South Worcestershire so far - an area the service hopes to increase by using a Victim Support officer to encourage the project.