In Britain, anyone under 18 who has broken the law is classified as a young offender.
Minor offences are dealt with without going to a court, for example police can use final warnings. The aim is to prevent furthur offending and to give support at an early age.
More serious offences are dealt with in a youth court. If found guilty they may be fined or given a reparation order (eg. they have to repair the damage they have caused) or they could recieve a curfew. Serious cases are heard in a crown court and the young offender is held in custody. Those found guilty will not be sent to prison, but to one of three types of secure accomadation: secure training centre, secure children's home or a young offenders institution.
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