The Detention and Training Order is a custodial sentence of the court which can last between 4 – 24 months. The young offender on such on order would serve half in custody and half supervised in the community by a member of the Youth Offending Team. A DTO can be made on young people from the age of 12 years.

Before making the order the courts must be satisfied that:

• The offence is so serious that only custody can be justified

• In the case of violent or sexual offence custody is necessary to protect the public from serious harm

• The young person refuses to consent to a community penalty

In addition for 12–14 year olds that the young person is a persistent offender.