It is rare for offenders to have strong personal contact with their victims. This situation can produce emotionally charged outcomes as the victim discusses their viewpoint and the consequences of the crime. This isn't a telling off, it's a way of putting forward a response to put things right. If something has been stolen, arrangements can be made to pay money back. Knowing this can help to reduce their fear of crime.
Many victims prefer restorative conferences to court cases.
Lessons YOTs are also making a move towards getting offenders' families involved in restorative conferences, so that the family can learn lessons along with the youth and move on from the offence. Other initiatives include a reparation scheme, being used in Southwark, the largest YOT in the country. Reparation orders are issued to the youths to pay for stolen property, either directly or to the community at large to repair the damage. For example, a youth can be made to paint over or clean up graffiti. These orders are enforceable by law and if the work is not carried out, the youth will face the prospect of a return to court.