What is a detention and training order?

The Detention and Training Order (DTO) is a custodial sentence made by a criminal court. It is generally only used for serious or persistent offending. The ORder means that you will have to go to a special centre for a programme of education, training and supervision.

Can I appeal?

You can appeal against the sentence if you think it is unfair. You should talk to your family and solicitor about this. An appeal takes a few days and you will still be held in a detention & training centre until then.

What happens now?

You may have to stay in the cells for a while but you will be taken to the centre today. Your family will not usually be able to visit you in the court cells.

Where will I go?

That depends on your vulnerability, age and gender and also on what spaces are available in the area. The Youth Offending Team court officer will keep you and your family informed of the arrangements. It will be either:

• Young Offender's Institution (YOI) Prison or Remand Centre

These are run by the Prison Service and usually take offenders ages 15 years or over.

• Secure Training Centre (STC) or Secure Unit

These are managed by different organisations and often take younger or more vulnerable offenders.

 

What is it like?

Probably not as bad as you're thinking.

The bad news is that they are run very strictly and you might feel frightened and homesick at first. You may have problems fitting in with the procedures or with the other trainees.

The good news is that the staff know that you will be feeling this way and they will help you to settle in. No-one will be allowed to bully or hurt you and you will get intensive help with problems.

Can I have contact with my family?

Yes. Family visits, letters and phone calls are encouraged.

What happens while I'm there?

Staff from the centre and from the Youth Offending Team will talk to you and your family and then write a "Sentence Plan" for you. The plan will:

• assist you with your education, health and social needs to help you make a fresh start when you are released
• work to discuss your offending and exercises to help you to improve your behaviour and lifestyle

What about when I leave?

Normally you will be detained for half of your sentence and, for the rest, you will be allowed home under supervision. If you do well you may be released earlier.

A Youth Offending Team Officer will be involved throughout your sentence and will supervise you after you are released. This will help you to carry on the efforts you have made to stay out of trouble.

You will have regular meetings with your supervisor and you might also have special conditions, like going to school for example.

Remember, the Detention & Training Order is still in force, so, if you offend and do not comply with the appointments and requirements made, you might be sent back to the centre.