As part of our role to prevent reoffending we try to ensure that all young people we supervise on a Community Order complete some form of reparation.
This can be direct reparation, doing something that directly repairs the harm caused to the victim of their offence, or indirect reparation, working to give something back to the local community.
Direct reparation
Direct reparation to a victim of a crime can be achieved through a Restorative Justice intervention, or by completion of a practical task that makes amends directly to victim. Examples include repairing a fence which they have broken or painting the wall which they had graffitied.
Indirect reparation
Indirect reparation activities are varied, examples include supporting groups such as the over 75s, helping at homeless shelters, animal rescue centres, with conservation projects, community gardening schemes or painting and decorating projects.
We work through organisations and charities when looking at reparation activities.
We welcome any suggestions from members of the public for new projects, please email The Reparation Team
Benefits of reparation
It is hoped that whilst working to repair the harm their offending has caused to an individual or to the community, the experience of completing reparation activities may also initiate an interest or a skill that could enhance a young person’s future. This may even lead to further training or a work placement.
Reparation process
The young person is always consulted by their case worker about the type of activities they can participate in (medical, religious, exclusion zones etc).
All sites and activities we work on are fully risk assessed. Every effort is made to assess which young people can work together, along with their availability and areas they can safely go to.
Young people are written to by their case worker informing them of a date and meeting point for their Reparation activity.
Once at the meeting point the young people will be transported by a Bedfordshire Youth Offending Service worker to the various sites around the county for the activity to take place.
Every Child Matters
Every Child Matters (ECM) was the focus of the Department for Children, Schools and Families within ‘The Children’s Plan’. They led work across the Government to ensure that all children and young people:
- Stay healthy and safe (Are Healthy)
- Secure an excellent education and the highest possible standards of achievement (Achieve)
- Enjoy their childhood (Enjoy)
- Make a positive contribution to society and the economy (make a positive contribution)
- Have lives full of opportunity, free from the effects of poverty (Economic wellbeing)