Consultation on new single community order for children

Overview

The Department of Justice is seeking views on the development of a new single community order for children.  The current community sentencing framework for 10-18 year olds is complex, with numerous different orders available to the judiciary as sentencing options, a number of which are rarely, if ever, used.  The Department proposes to  simplify the existing system in order to improve outcomes for children, families, victims and communities.  It aims to do so by replacing the current seven community orders with a single, flexible, order which can be adapted to meet children's needs alongside evidence of compliance or further offending.

The purpose of this consultation is to ask respondents for their views on the structure, content and operation of the new single community order.  The consultation will run for a period of 12 weeks from 11 April to 04 July 2025.

Before responding to the consultation online, we would ask that you read the consultation document attached below.  This contains detailed supporting information in relation to the new order.

A child-friendly version of the online consultation is available here.

Why your views matter

Significant changes in the youth justice system in the past 15 years, with a growing emphasis on the importance of adopting a "children first" approach, has led to a considerable reduction in the numbers of children coming into contact with the formal justice system.  We want to build on this by improving outcomes for children who receive community sentences, through supporting enhanced compliance and reducing levels of reoffending.  We would like to encourage everyone with an interest in youth justice to consider our consultation and submit a response.