Explain the sentencing options available to all courts when dealing with a youth offender in English criminal litigation.

When dealing with a youth offender in English criminal litigation, the courts have a range of sentencing options available to them. These include: Referral order: This is a community-based sentence where the youth offender is required to attend meetings with a youth offending team and address the issues that led to their offending behaviour. The meetings may involve discussions with victims and community representatives, and the offender may be required to perform unpaid work or attend courses to address their behaviour. Youth rehabilitation order: This is a more intensive community-based sentence that is designed to address the underlying causes of the offender's behaviour. It may include requirements such as attending drug or alcohol treatment programs, participating in educational or vocational training, or attending anger management or other counselling sessions. Curfew order: This requires the offender to stay at home during certain hours of the day or night. It is usually combined with other community-based sentences. Detention and training order: This is the most serious sentence available for youth offenders and involves a period of detention in a young offender institution, followed by a period of training and education. The length of the detention and training order will depend on the seriousness of the offence and the age of the offender. Fines: In some cases, the court may impose a fine on the youth offender. The amount of the fine will depend on the seriousness of the offence and the financial circumstances of the offender or their family. Conditional discharge: This is a sentence where the offender is not punished but is instead given a warning and ordered to behave well for a certain period of time. If they breach the conditions of the discharge, they may be brought back to court and sentenced for the original offence. It is important to note that the courts have a duty to ensure that any sentence imposed on a youth offender is proportionate to the offence committed and takes into account the age, maturity, and individual circumstances of the offender. The aim of the youth justice system is to prevent reoffending and promote positive change in the offender, rather than simply punishing them for their behaviour.