If your child has been told they need to attend youth court, it is completely normal to feel anxious about what happens next.
Youth court can sound intimidating, especially if your child has never been in trouble before, but it is different from adult court. It is designed for children and young people aged 10 to 17, and the process is usually more private, less formal and more focused on welfare and rehabilitation.
This guide explains what youth court is, how it works, what happens at the first hearing, what sentences it can give and when a case may go to the Crown Court.
This is general information for England and Wales only and should not be treated as legal advice for any individual case. If your child has been arrested, invited to a police interview, charged or told to attend court, it is sensible to get advice as early as possible from experienced criminal defence solicitors.
Call our criminal defence team on 01274 561 666.
Youth Court: Key Points
- Youth court usually deals with children and young people aged 10 to 17
- It is a special type of Magistrates’ Court
- There is no jury
- Hearings are usually closed to the public
- A parent or guardian must usually attend if the child is under 16, and may be required to attend if the young person is 16 or 17
- Some serious cases can go to the Crown Court
- Early legal advice is important, especially before the first hearing
What Is Youth Court?
Youth court is a specialist criminal court for children and young people aged 10 to 17 in England and Wales. It deals with many criminal cases involving young defendants and is intended to be more suitable for children than an adult criminal court.
Cases are usually heard by specially trained magistrates or a District Judge. The court still deals with criminal allegations, but it is expected to take account of a young person’s age, understanding and welfare. It is also part of a system that places weight on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending, not simply punishment.
How Is Youth Court Different From Adult Court?
Youth court is still a criminal court, but there are important differences from adult court.
There is no jury. Cases are usually decided by magistrates or a District Judge. The hearing is generally less formal than adult court, and the court should use language a child or young person can follow.
Youth court hearings are also usually not open to the public in the same way as adult criminal hearings, and there are restrictions on reporting a child’s identity in many cases. That can be reassuring for families worried about publicity.
The wider approach is different too. Youth court still has sentencing powers, but it is expected to consider welfare, rehabilitation and the prevention of further offending.
Who Needs To Attend Youth Court?
The young person must usually attend court. A parent or guardian must usually attend if the child is under 16. If the young person is 16 or 17, the court can order a parent or guardian to attend.
Other people at court may include:
- the young person’s solicitor or barrister
- the prosecutor
- the magistrates or District Judge
- a legal adviser
- a representative from the Youth Justice Service
- court staff
Parents often worry they will be blamed for what has happened. In reality, the court will usually want to understand the young person’s circumstances, support network and any welfare concerns. A parent or guardian can be an important source of support throughout the case.
What Happens In A Youth Court Hearing?
The exact process depends on the stage of the case, but most youth court hearings follow a similar pattern.
Before going into court, the young person and their parent or guardian will usually have the chance to speak to their solicitor. This is an important opportunity to discuss the allegation, the evidence that has been disclosed, what the hearing is likely to involve and whether there are any immediate concerns about bail or safeguarding.
When the case is called into court, the court will identify the young person, explain the allegation and deal with the next step in the case. That may involve taking a plea, considering bail, giving directions for trial or moving on to sentence if the case has reached that stage.
If the young person pleads guilty, the court may sentence straight away or ask for further information first, often from the Youth Justice Service. If the young person pleads not guilty, the court will usually set the matter down for trial and deal with practical arrangements for the next hearing.
What Happens At The First Youth Court Appearance?
The first hearing is often the stage families are most anxious about. It is usually where the court confirms the allegation, checks legal representation, asks for a plea and decides what should happen next.
If the young person pleads guilty, the court may sentence there and then or may adjourn for a report before deciding sentence. If they plead not guilty, the case will usually be listed for trial on a later date.
The court may also deal with bail at the first hearing. That means deciding whether the young person can remain in the community while the case continues, and whether any conditions should apply.
In some cases, the first hearing is also where the court considers whether it can deal with the case at all. If the allegation is particularly serious, the case may be sent to the Crown Court.
Because decisions made at the first hearing can affect plea, bail and the direction of the case, it should not be treated as a formality. Early legal advice can make a real difference.
What Cases Does Youth Court Deal With?
Youth court deals with many criminal allegations involving children and young people. Examples include:
- theft and shoplifting
- criminal damage
- common assault
- public order offences
- drugs offences
- burglary
- offences relating to anti-social behaviour
- some vehicle-related offences
The fact that a case is in youth court does not mean it is minor. Some allegations can still be very serious. It simply means the defendant is under 18 and the youth justice system applies.
Can A Youth Court Case Be Sent To Crown Court?
Yes. Some youth cases can be sent to the Crown Court.
This is most likely where the allegation is very serious, such as homicide or another grave crime. A case may also go to the Crown Court if the young person is charged alongside an adult and it is appropriate for the cases to be heard together.
In some situations, a case may go to the Crown Court for sentence if the youth court believes its own sentencing powers are not enough. Whether that happens depends on the allegation, the facts of the case and the age of the young person.
What Sentences Can A Youth Court Give?
Youth court sentencing is different from adult sentencing because the court must take account of the young person’s age, welfare and the aim of preventing further offending.
Depending on the case, the youth court may impose:
- an absolute or conditional discharge
- a fine in some circumstances
- a compensation order
- a referral order
- a youth rehabilitation order
- a detention and training order
The sentence will depend on the offence, the young person’s age, whether they pleaded guilty, any previous offending history and the information the court has about their circumstances.
What Is A Referral Order In Youth Court?
A referral order is one of the most common youth court sentences, particularly where a young person has pleaded guilty and has not previously been sentenced.
In simple terms, the young person is referred to a youth offender panel and must take part in a programme or agreement designed to help them understand the offence, address behaviour and reduce the risk of offending again. It may also include work aimed at repairing harm caused by the offence.
Can The Public Or Media Attend Youth Court?
Youth court is generally much more private than adult court. Hearings are usually not open to the public in the ordinary way, and there are often reporting restrictions preventing a child or young person from being identified.
That can be an important reassurance for families worried about press attention or wider publicity. In many cases, identifying details cannot be reported publicly.
That said, the rules are not identical in every case, especially where a matter goes to the Crown Court. If there are concerns about publicity, social media posts or press reporting, it is sensible to raise them with a solicitor straight away.
Does A Child Need A Solicitor For Youth Court?
In most cases, yes. Youth court may be less formal than adult court, but it is still a criminal court and the decisions made there can have serious consequences.
A solicitor can help by:
- explaining the allegation and evidence clearly
- advising on plea and likely next steps
- making representations about bail
- preparing mitigation if there is a guilty plea
- dealing with trial preparation if the allegation is denied
- helping the court understand the young person’s background, needs and vulnerabilities
Legal advice can be just as important for parents as it is for the child. Many families are trying to understand the process while supporting a distressed young person. Proper representation can make the situation much clearer.
What Should Parents Do If Their Child Has Been Charged Or Summoned To Youth Court?
The first step is to stay as calm as possible and focus on the practical things that need to be done.
Keep all paperwork from the police or court, including charge sheets, bail paperwork and hearing notices. Make a note of any deadlines, court dates or conditions that have been imposed.
If there is already a solicitor involved, contact them straight away. If there is not, arrange legal advice as soon as possible so the case can be reviewed before the first hearing.
It is also sensible to avoid discussing the allegation publicly or on social media. Parents should be careful about trying to get a full account of events without advice if the case is ongoing, particularly where there may be further police interviews or court proceedings to come.
Before the hearing, gather any information that may help the solicitor understand the young person’s circumstances, such as school issues, mental health concerns, neurodiversity, safeguarding concerns or relevant family difficulties.
How Chivers Solicitors Can Help
At Chivers Solicitors, we understand how stressful it can be when a child or young person is facing a criminal allegation. Families often need answers quickly, especially if there has already been a police interview, a charge or a court date.
Our criminal defence team advises clients from the earliest stage of an investigation through to youth court and, where necessary, Crown Court proceedings. We can provide clear advice on the allegation, explain what to expect at the first hearing, deal with bail issues and represent young people throughout the case.
If your child has been contacted by the police, invited to an interview, charged or told to attend youth court, early legal advice can help you understand the position and make informed decisions from the outset.
Our criminal defence solicitors represent young people and families at every stage, from police station advice through to court proceedings. If you are based in Leeds or elsewhere in West Yorkshire, our criminal defence solicitors can also assist. You can read more about funding and Legal Aid on our prices page, find out more about the team who may handle the case on our meet the team page, or contact us for confidential advice.
Youth Court FAQs
What age does youth court cover in England and Wales?
Youth court usually deals with children and young people aged 10 to 17.
How does youth court work?
Youth court is a specialist criminal court for young defendants. It usually involves a first hearing, a plea, decisions about bail and then either sentence or trial preparation depending on whether the allegation is admitted or denied.
Do parents or guardians have to attend youth court?
Usually, yes. A parent or guardian is normally expected to attend, particularly where the child is under 16. The court can also require attendance for older teenagers.
What happens if a young person pleads guilty?
If there is a guilty plea, the court may sentence straight away or ask for a report from the Youth Justice Service before deciding sentence.
What happens if a young person pleads not guilty?
If the allegation is denied, the youth court will usually set the case down for trial and give directions about what needs to happen before that hearing.
Is legal aid available for youth court cases?
Legal aid may be available, but eligibility depends on the circumstances. It is sensible to ask about funding as soon as a young person has been asked to attend an interview or court hearing.
Can a youth court case go to Crown Court?
Yes. Some serious allegations, grave crimes or cases involving adult co-defendants can be sent to the Crown Court.
Speak To Chivers Solicitors About Youth Court
If your child has been contacted by the police, invited to a voluntary interview, charged with an offence or told to attend youth court, getting legal advice early can help you understand the process and protect their position from the start.
Chivers Solicitors provides clear, confidential criminal defence advice for young people and families across West Yorkshire, Leeds, Bradford, Durham and throughout England and Wales. If you need support now, contact our team for advice as soon as possible.
You can call us on 01274 561 666, solicitors@chiverssolicitors.co.uk, or fill in our online contact form.