(1)This section applies where a youth offender contract has taken effect under section 23 above between an offender and a youth offender panel.
(2)The day on which the contract so takes effect shall be the first day of the period for which it has effect.
(3)Where the panel was established in pursuance of a single referral order, the length of the period for which the contract has effect shall be that of the period specified under section 18(1)(c) above in the referral order.
(4)Where the panel was established in pursuance of two or more associated referral orders, the length of the period for which the contract has effect shall be that resulting from the court’s directions under section 18(6) above.
(5)Subsections (3) and (4) above have effect subject to—
(a)any order under paragraph 11 or 12 of Schedule 1 to this Act extending the length of the period for which the contract has effect; and
(b)subsection (6) below.
(6)If the referral order, or each of the associated referral orders, is revoked (whether under paragraph 5(2) of Schedule 1 to this Act or by virtue of paragraph 14(2) of that Schedule), the period for which the contract has effect expires at the time when the order or orders is or are revoked unless it has already expired.