Essex Police is playing host to the first Association of Chief Police Officers' conference on Youth Justice.

Delegates from all over the UK are due to attend the conference on Thursday and Friday at Five Lakes Golf and Country Club, near Maldon.

The purpose of the talks are to influence policies and strategies in relation to youth justice and to establish and disseminate good practice nationally.

Essex Police deputy chief constable, Charles Clark, is secretary of the ACPO youth justice issues working group.

Among initiatives being discussed at the conference will be 'On Track' a long term effort aimed at children between four and 12 who are believed to be at risk of becoming involved in crime.

Other areas of youth justice being discussed will be restorative justice and reparation schemes. Young offenders are required to face the consequences of their crimes and given the chance to restore damage caused to society and individuals.

By Fred Hammerton

Reporter's e-mail: fred.hammerton@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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