An evaluation of the Northern Ireland youth conference service hasrecommended that the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) makes more youthconference referrals after implementation of the scheme was found tohave "progressed well".
The Northern Ireland Office report, Evaluation of the Northern IrelandYouth Conference Service, said the majority of young people (91 percent) and victims (81 per cent) "preferred the conference over court".It added that 92 per cent of young people, and 78 per cent of victims,believed the conference - in which structured interviews are completedwith the victim and offender participating - had "helped the youngperson realise the harm caused by the offence".
Eighty-six per cent of young people and 88 per cent of victims said theywould recommend a conference to a person in a similar situation. Of the362 referrals to youth conferences surveyed, 31 per cent came from thePublic Prosecution Service and 69 per cent from youth courts.
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