A film showcasing the ways in which young people who offend can make amends for their crimes has been officially launched by the chair of the Youth Justice Board (YJB).

Frances Done travelled to Cheshire today (FRI) where she met young people and staff at Halton and Warrington Youth Offending Team (YOT) and gave the DVD her seal of approval.

The short film, which was made by the YOT, illustrates the various ways in which ten to 17 year-olds who have committed offences can work to help put right their wrongs.

It focuses on locally-run initiatives such as the Graffiti Removal Project and the Dorset Gardens Intergenerational Project – which sees young people interact with and help to support elderly residents.

The DVD highlights the value of restorative justice projects, while also providing a platform for young people who have offended to talk candidly about their experiences. Professionals working in the youth justice system, including police and members of the Magistrate’s Association have also contributed to the film.

The DVD will be made available to the public and victims of youth crime by the YOT.

Research suggests that restorative justice can help reduce reoffending, significantly helps victims of youth crime and can build public confidence in the youth justice system.

Frances said: “I am pleased to officially launch this DVD, which highlights the excellent work going on in Halton and Warrington to enable young people to make amends for their offences.

“Far from being an easy option, restorative justice can be a much harder lesson for a young person to learn as it can mean them meeting up with their victim and facing up to the harm they have caused.

“It is important that young people who commit crime and anti-social behaviour are held to account for their actions and that the youth justice system treats their victims with respect and offers them the support they need.”

As well as launching the DVD, Frances was treated to a trip to the gardens at Runcorn Fire Station.

The gardens form part of Community Space Challenge project, which involves young people who have offended or who are ‘at risk’ of committing crimes giving up their time to tend to the plot and plant flowers, fruit and vegetables.

Notes to editors

1. The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) oversees the youth justice system in England and Wales. We work to prevent offending and reoffending by children and young people under the age of 18, and to ensure that custody for them is safe, secure, and addresses the causes of their offending behaviour.

2. Specifically, we advise Secretary of State for justice on the operation of, and standards for, the youth justice system; monitor the performance of the youth justice system; purchase places for, and place, children and young people remanded or sentenced to custody; identify and promote effective practice; make grants to local authorities or other bodies to support the development of effective practice; commission research and publish information.