Parish Hall Enquiries for Young People
Purpose of a Parish Hall Enquiry
The purpose of the Enquiry is for the Centenier to decide if there is enough evidence to justify a charge, if so:
- is it in the public interest to prosecute
- can the matter be dealt with in some other way at the Enquiry
- if the matter is to be dealt with at the Enquiry, apply the appropriate method of disposal
The Centenier can only deal with the charges against someone if they're admitted. If they're not admitted, they have to be dealt with by a Court.
Reparation for an offence
Reparation means repairing or making amends for the offence and the harm done.
The Centenier has a number of options available as reparation for the offence. They can:
- issue a written caution
- give words of advice
- decide that no further action is necessary
There is often an element of reparation or restoration attached including a letter of apology or compensation to a victim.
Alternatively, the Centenier may defer the decision to a later date. This tends to happen in conjunction with other conditions such as paying compensation or writing a letter of apology. At the conclusion of the deferment period, the Centenier will either give words of advice or issue a written caution.
The Centenier may also impose fines up to £100 for certain statutory offences.
Parish Hall Enquiry under the age of 18
An officer will represent the Jersey Probation and After-Care Service (JPACS) at every Parish Hall Enquiry, where children under the age of 18 years are appearing, except for very minor matters and some motoring offences.
At the Enquiry, the Centenier will speak with the young person to find out the circumstances of the offence. Every child must be accompanied by an adult with parental responsibility.
When JPACS become involved
Jersey Probation and After-Care Service (JPACS) become involved when the following sanctions are imposed:
- voluntary supervision orders
- restorative justice
- charge and bail for a youth
Voluntary supervision orders
The Centenier may place young offenders under the supervision of either the Probation Service or the Alcohol and Drug Service. Upon successful completion of a supervision programme, the offender returns to the Parish Hall, usually after a three month period, where the Centenier issues a written caution as an alternative to prosecution.
However if the attendee re-offends or does not attend appointments at the relevant agency, they will be returned to the Centenier, who may choose to prosecute.
Restorative Justice
The Centenier may order the young offender to undertake work with the Restorative Justice Officer.
Find more information on Restorative Justice.
Charge and bail for a Court appearance
The Centenier can formally charge and bail offenders to appear before the Magistrate either in the Youth Court or the Magistrate's Court, if charged with other offenders who are over 18.
All the above options, except the last, are consensual, for example they can only happen with the agreement of the offender.
Find more information on the Parish Hall Enquiry System on The Conduct and Effectiveness of Parish Hall Enquiries Report.