Young offenders face public vote on community service punishments

The public is being given the chance to vote on community service schemes for young offenders from today.

A government website allows users to suggest punishments for criminals aged 10 to 17.

Voters can choose from tasks including cleaning graffiti, repairing vandalism and charity work.

The 'Making Good' scheme is being launched today in North West England, and could go nationwide from early next year.

Justice Secretary, Jack Straw said: "Youth Crime, no matter how small, can wreck the lives of both victims and the young people involved."

"Making Good' will empower members of the public by giving them a say in how young offenders in their communities should make amends."

Suggestions can be made at www.yjb.gov.uk/makinggood. Youth reoffending teams taking part are in Blackburn, Blackpool, Bury, Halton and Warrington, Knowsley, Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, St Helens, Salford, Sefton, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan and Wirral.

Frances Done, chairman of the Youth Justice Board said: "For the first time local people are being asked for specific ideas for community reparation which will benefit both their local area and the young person carrying out the work.

"Reparation work is vital in helping the young person understand the consequences of his or her actions while repairing the harm caused by their offence."

Also today, new Youth Rehabilitation Orders come into effect for the first time, bringing together a range of conditions which can be imposed on young offenders.

Mr Straw said the orders would allow courts to "mix and match" between the orders that are available.

"This is a smarter and stronger system," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

"It's a single order and from that the Crown Court judge or the youth justice magistrates can select a series of requirements from it.

"For example, a curfew, education, attendance at an attendance centre, drug treatment, drug testing, in certain cases electronic monitoring, in other words tagging on a curfew.

"And right at the top end, intensive supervision and surveillance."