VICTIMS could soon have a bigger say in how to deal with young offenders.

And members of the community will also have a vital role to play when new youth referral orders are introduced on April 1.

From that date, all young people appearing before the youth court for the first time and pleading guilty must be sentenced to a referral order.

There are two exceptions: young people charged with serious offences that could carry a custodial sentence, and those charged with trivial offences where an absolute discharge is likely.

Referral orders will not be given to those pleading not guilty - one of the principles of the scheme is that the young person must take responsibility for their actions.

"The emphasis will be on restorative justice," said referral order co-ordinator Barry Graham. "There will be two elements to the orders - reparation to the victim or the community, and tackling the youth offender's behaviour."

Orders will vary between three and 12 months depending on the offence, and the exact nature of the punishment will be decided by a community panel within 15 days of the offender's court appearance.

"It is about bringing youths back into the community to make reparation for their crimes," said Mr Graham.

The panel will comprise two volunteers from the community, a member of the youth offending team, the offender and his or her parents, the victim if they are willing, and any other person who may be able to assist.

"Victims are encouraged to get involved," added Mr Graham.

Christine Broadhead, co-ordinator of Victim Support Craven, has welcomed the orders.

She said: "Pilot schemes involving victims have been shown to be beneficial. But victims should not be pressured into taking part - some people just want to forget.

"Victim support will be working closely with the youth offending teams, and we will be there to support any victim taking part in the scheme."

Once an order has been completed, the community panel will decide whether it has been carried out satisfactorily.

If it has, the conviction will be considered spent - in other words, the young person will make a fresh start with a clean record. If it hasn't, the offender will be brought back to court.

So far, four people from Craven have come forward to sit on the community panels, but at least double that number is needed. Volunteers must be aged 18 or over, and the only bar to applying is being a magistrate.

"It is an opportunity for people to offer their assistance. We want people from all backgrounds," said Mr Graham.

Training will be given, and anyone interested should contact Mr Graham on 01347 823177.