Youth Justice

Social Care provides a Youth Justice Service to young people under the age of 16 who come to the attention of the Police and the Reporter to the Children's Hearing. Social Care employs a youth Justice Social Worker who undertakes most of this work, but sometimes other childcare social workers also work with young people who offend.

Social workers will talk to young people about their behaviour, how their offending behaviour had affected other people or their communities and any problems they may be facing in their own lives. A comprehensive assessment including contact with families, schools and any other relevant professional staff will inform a young person to change and not re-offend.

Shetland does not have a high crime rate amongst young people and most offences are minor theft, vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Most young people accept support from Social Care and contact is on a voluntary basis. Some young people may come before a children's Hearing.

Youth Justice Services work to National Standards laid down by the Scottish Executive. There is a Shetland wide strategic Youth Justice Group that meets thrice annually and involves staff from Education Services, the Police, local voluntary agencies, Housing Services and the Reporter to the Children's Hearing.

If you have any concerns about a young person offending then please contact the duty social worker on 01595 744400.

If you have any particular comments, worries or concerns about the service, please contact the Service Manager for Looked after Children on 01595 744485.

For further information please see our Leaflets page and the Other Organisations page.