Previously, in these less clear-cut cases, some young people were being instantly cautioned when they should have been assessed and offered some help. If it is decided that a young person needs treatment, they are referred for therapy, which covers victim empathy work, action accountability, and risk reduction. They could be referred to a therapist or more specialist help could be bought in. But it is too early for the group to talk about what treatment is best. Jevons feels that such a self-contained treatment project with its own internal management structure could well serve all of north Wales, and talks are taking place with Barnardo's, the children's charity.
Plans are also under way for a new treatment support project.
But there has to be a more widespread acceptance that young people do sexually offend, and that they and their victims need practical help.