The Justice System

Teenage years are a time when people take risks. But adults are responsible for a much greater volume of crime. 

Young people can commit crimes (are criminally responsible) from age 10. Committing crimes causes a lot of damage,  including to the person who commits the crime. They suffer negative effects, including:

• Being in contact with people who commit crimes or hurt other people
• Getting involved with risky, harmful and illegal activities
• Problems with getting staying in learning or work 

There are also usually impacts on health, including mental health. 

You can find out more about the Oxfordshire Youth Justice and Exploitation Service on the Oxfordshire County Council website.

Crucial: A criminal record can have an impact on the kind of jobs you do in the future. But in many cases employers are required by law not to discriminate against people with a criminal record. Find out more about job-seeking with a criminal record.

Criminal Exploitation 

Criminal exploitation is when somebody is forcing, persuading or encouraging someone to commit crimes or get into trouble. Criminal exploitation is a serious crime and support is available. 

Instant Expert: Some adults try and pressure young people into committing crimes. This is against the law, and an act of abuse.

Oxfordshire Youth Justice and Exploitation Service

Oxfordshire Youth Justice and Exploitation Service works with young people and their families to reduce the risk of offending and exploitation. 

Continuing Education

All young people have the right to education until they are 18. This includes young people in the justice system. 

Young people need to stay in learning until they are 18, and they will be supported to engage with education, employment and training.

Instant Expert:  Support can include 1-1 support, finding suitable courses, help with finding an apprenticeship, access to other services (like support around substance use or exploitation) and more.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Where a young person has special educational needs or disability (SEND) then there is more support available to help them engage with education, employment and training.

The Youth Offending Service also work with the receiving school/education or employment placement to provide any risk information.

Instant Expert: Find out more about education and training for children and young people with SEN.

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The Local Offer explains support available to children and young people with special educational needs and disability, and to their families. WE hope you found this page helpful. If you would like anything changed, updated or added, please use this online form.