Unit 6 Lesson 8.2: Youth Offending and Grounds for Statutory Referral

Question 1

What is the age of criminal responsibility?

Answer 1

12 years old. If under cannot be reported to COPFS or children’s reporter regardless of seriousness

Question 2

When can a child be prosecuted in court?

Answer 2

If:
- the crime/offence would be dealt with on indictment or solemn procedure
- the alleged offence would result in a child of 15+ being disqualified from driving
- the child is 16/17 and the reporter has terminated the supervision order

Question 3

What is a younger child?

Answer 3

8-15 or 16/17 with a CSO

Question 4

What is an older child?

Answer 4

16 and 17 (not subject to CSO)

Question 5

Disposal options for a younger child (8-15)

Answer 5

• written or verbal warnings
• referral to partners
• report by SPR

Question 6

Disposal options for an older child (16/17)?

Answer 6

• RPW
• referral
• SPR to COPFS

Question 7

Who can authorise a younger child’s detention in a police station as a place of safety?

Answer 7

Inspector or above