Evaluation of the Hamilton Youth Court Pilot 2003-2005 - Research Findings

A pilot Youth Court was introduced at Hamilton Sheriff Court in June 2003. It targeted alleged offenders aged 16 and 17 who were resident in areas of North or South Lanarkshire; had three separate incidents of offending resulting in a criminal charge in the previous six months or whose contextual background suggested a referral to the Youth Court would reduce the risk of re-offending and promote community safety; and were appearing summarily before Hamilton Sheriff Court. The main aim of the Youth Court was to reduce the frequency and seriousness of offending by 16 and 17 year olds through targeted and prompt disposals with judicial supervision and continuing social work involvement