Children and young people

A Community Punishment Order is a sentence that can be given to any young person aged 16 years and over and is supervised by the Kent Probation Service.

It is intended to help the young offender give something back to the local community through unpaid work.

What will they have to do?

They can be asked to work unpaid for between 40 and 240 hours and must work for at least six hours each week. The community service officers will take into account their school, college or work commitments.

They will, within reason, be given a choice as to which project they work on, depending on group sizes and what projects are available. These can be practical, involving painting and decoration, for example, or can involve providing support and assistance to vulnerable groups.

All the projects have been risk-assessed and protective clothing and equipment, where necessary, will be provided. All those made subject to a Community Punishment Order will be required to attend a health and safety training day, which will be part of the hours worked.

What are the rules?

Offenders must:

• notify any change of address,
• attend when required,
• arrive on time for appointments,
• comply with any reasonable directions of the supervision,
• not arrive for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
• not engage in any vicious, aggressive or threatening behaviour,
• not use any abusive, racist or sexist language.

What happens if they do not co-operate?

If offenders do not keep to the conditions of their order, the community service officer will take them back to court. If the court considers that they have breached their order, it may:

• revoke the order and pass another sentence, which could include custody,
• tell them to complete the order but impose a fine for the breach.

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