A TEAM set up to help youth offenders in Teignbridge and the rest of Devon has been recognised nationally for its work on restorative justice.

Devon’s Youth Offending Service has received acclaimed accreditation for the way it works with young offenders and their victims.

Team members have been awarded the Restorative Service Quality Mark in recognition of work which brings offenders and victims together to talk about their shared experiences.

Achieving the quality mark puts the service in a small group of just 24 other organisations nationally which have gained the same recognition.

Cllr James McInnes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for the County Hall-run service, said: ‘Working restoratively means to work with people rather than doing things for or to them.  It empowers people to take control of their lives, deal with harm, take responsibility and enables them to be a more productive member of their community.’

He added: ‘Attaining this quality mark is a great achievement for the team, and an indication of the high standard of work we do in helping turn around the lives of young people who have fallen into offending.’