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Criminal Behaviour Orders - Annex L

Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.

All CPS guidance

AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.

This prosecution guidance provides a detailed process for applying for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) involving youth offenders. It outlines the necessary steps for law enforcement and local authorities to collaborate with the local youth offending team (YOT) before making an application. The guidance ensures that the views of the YOT are included in the evidence submitted to the CPS.

Key points

  • Prosecution must consult YOT for offenders under 18 before applying for a CBO.
  • The police/local authority should identify potential CBO applications early.
  • The YOT must document their views on a provided template.
  • Applications must include completed YOT templates and supporting evidence.
  • Prosecutors must be proactive in seeking YOT views when not provided.
  • A Notice of Intention to Apply is needed if YOT feedback isn't received within 5 days.
Criminal Behaviour Orders
Read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk
Last reviewed: 1 October 2023 · Next review due: 1 April 2024

This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.