2. Young people who cause sexual harm to others: using the restorative conference model to promote healing and a healthy future

3. My aim today is to provide you with a comprehensive overview and understanding of YJA’s practice and approach to HSB cases in NI
Explain and discuss YJA’s policy and practice with regards to Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) related cases;
Focus on effective participation with partner Agencies throughout the restorative process;
Through sharing best practice, consider and discuss how, collectively the Criminal Justice System with others can help deliver positive outcomes for both victims and young people who have been referred for such behaviour; and
Enhance, share and optimise existing knowledge and skills.

4. Background: Over the past decade
establishment of the Youth Justice Agency including the introduction of the Youth Conference restorative justice model;
referrals for harmful sexual behaviour cases both from Public Prosecution Service (PPS) and Court;
establishing strong partnerships with others, including:
Health and Social Care (HSC);
Specialist Services;
Public Prosecution Service (PPS);
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) inc. PPANI/PPU
Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) – Safer Lives;
AIM2/GMAP; and
External Consultants.

5. YJA HSB Practice Guidance
Principles:
Co-ordination
Communication
Co-operation
Collaboration
Objective is to maximise the effective delivery of:
Risk management
Risk reduction
Therapeutic intervention
Good Lives Model

6. Current Process of Harmful Sexual Reporting through Youth Justice System in Northern Ireland
►PSNI (inc. HSC)
►PPS
Insufficient sufficient
evidence evidence
no prosecution diversion/prosecution
Mitigating DYCR YCR
Public interest PSR
Child Protection
DYCR/YCR (Divisionary/Youth Conference Report)
PSR (Pre-Sentence Report)

7. HSB Statistics Volume of referrals
During 2013/14, YJA received 18 referrals (17 YPs), 9 of which were Court Ordered, the remaining Diversionary.
During 2013/14, PBNI received 3 referrals.
*****************
During 2014/15 YJA received 14 referrals (14 YPs), 4 of which were Court Ordered, the remainder Diversionary.
During 2014/15– PBNI received 3 referrals.

8. HSB 2014/15 Statistics Nature of Offences
Indecent exposure 2
Making/distributing indecent 3
images of children
Engaging in sexual activity 1
in presence of a child
Sexual assault
Intercourse with an animal
Sexual activity with a child <
Sexual assault of child <13 3

9. HSB 2014/15 Statistics Profile of young persons who have harmed
Average age at date of offence
(range from 12 to almost 18)
Learning Disability / %
Gender male
1 female

10. Victim participation 2013/14 and 2014/15
2013/14: (18)
Verbal statement 4
Written statement 5
Direct victim 2
Family of victim 7
2014/15: (14)
Verbal statement 3
Written statement 1
Family of victim 6
Victim Support NI 1
Other

11. The Process
Referral received - PPS/Police file inc. YP/Victim information (A&A* if DYCR)
►Contact with YP and parent/carer
►Contact with victim and family
►substantial preparation
►liaison with Trust/Child Protection
►liaison with Police/PPU
►liaison with Specialist Services
►assessments
►restorative practice ↓
Youth Conference YP, Appropriate Adult, YCC,YDO – plus significant others who add
value/purpose. (Meeting or series of meetings)
DYCP/YCO
Recommendation YCO with Custody
PPS/Court Discretion (alternative disposal)
*(A&A – Admission and Agreement)

12. The Youth Conference
Requires more than average preparation with YP/family and victim, that is 12 to 26 weeks pre-Conference
Requires considerable inter-agency consultation pre-Conference
Important for YCC and YDO to have appropriate and proportionate preparation before the Conference
Subtle differences in the process, that is:
Statement of facts not read verbatim – YP is asked to confirm they are accepting responsibility for the offence;
No focus on YP’s story;
Focus on impact on the victim. Victim or representative speaks first, followed by YP;
Detail of who did what is not relevant, discussion and understanding of the impact is; and
Longer than the average Youth Conference – with necessary breaks.

13. Victims/Persons Harmed
Many victims are CHILDREN, often under 13 years old (50%)
Therefore, most of the preparation is with parents/carers, other family members;
Young children will not attend the Conference.
Huge impact on PARENTS of victims, requires:
significant and in depth preparation; and
going at their pace.
Ongoing and future support for victims and their families.
Volunteers;
Signpost on; and
Information – relevant and as requested.

14. YCO/DYCP
Intervention (Risk management – Good Lives model - strengths-based)
Multi-agency (Trust - Programme provider – Police)
Circle of Support and Accountability
Community reintegration
Victim/person/family harmed
Family: parent/carer contact is central for involvement in:
- decision making;
- intervention, integration with support/treatment
from the beginning, throughout and until conclusion.

15. Family Intervention & Support
Shock/trauma/isolation/unsupported/loss of usual networks
Shame/self blame/’done wrong’/’missed’
Strong emotions re child’s behaviour – marginalisation or collusion
Trigger stress from past experiences
Own abuse may emerge
Action:
Offer range of services/multi-modal
Sign-post, refer, support
Equip with knowledge and skills for:
Self
Child
Other children (siblings, grandchildren etc.)

16. Family Intervention & Support continued
Parents’ Support Group
Individual/couple/family
Direct, face-to-face – (one-on-one/co-work)
Family support
Counselling
Information
Education/guidance
Sexual abuse
Exploitation
Offending
Supervision
Protective parenting
Coping with multi-agency systems
Criminal Record

17. Challenges Language used Denial
Apparent lack of remorse (attachment issues)
Learning and communication needs
Worker – lack of awareness/insight/knowledge
Personal distress/self care
Personal/family/friends experiences
Scepticism/doubt regarding the restorative justice process