1A

Where a child or young person (C) is charged with an offence, the court—

a

may in any case; and

b

must in a case where C is under the age of sixteen years,

exercise the functions conferred by subsections (1B) and (1C) (insofar as they are applicable to the proceedings) unless and to the extent that the court is satisfied that it would be unreasonable to do so, having regard to the circumstances of the case.

1B

Where any stage of the proceedings is conducted in writing, the court may or (as the case may be) must—

a

ascertain whether a person who is a parent or guardian of C is aware that the written proceedings are taking place, and

b

if it appears to the court that no parent or guardian is aware of that, provide information about the written proceedings to at least one such person.

1C

Where C gives a written indication of plea under section 24ZA of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, the court may or (as the case may be) must—

a

ascertain whether a person who is a parent or guardian of C is aware that the written indication of plea has been given, and

b

if it appears to the court that no parent or guardian is aware of that, bring the written indication of plea to the attention of at least one such person.