248AChief executive to appoint youth advocate to represent child or young person if offence punishable by imprisonment of 10 years or more

1. This section applies if—

2. an offence referred to in section 245(1) is an offence punishable by imprisonment of 10 years or more; and
3. a youth justice co-ordinator is required to convene a family group conference because they have received a notification under section 247(b) relating to that offence.

4. Before the family group conference is convened, the chief executive must appoint a youth advocate to represent the child or young person at the family group conference unless the chief executive is satisfied that legal representation has been arranged (or is to be arranged) for the child or young person in relation to the family group conference.

5. If an arrangement described in subsection (2) ceases (or fails to come into being), the chief executive must appoint a youth advocate to represent the child or young person at the family group conference.

6. The appointment of (including any eligibility criteria that will apply) and payment of a youth advocate must be made in accordance with any regulations made under section 447(1)(db).

7. Section 324(1) and (3)(b) applies to a youth advocate appointed under this section with any necessary modifications.