When a young person is released from custody, they will have to serve the last part of their sentence in the community under the supervision of the Youth Justice Service. This is a requirement of a Detention and Training Order Licence (DTO) or a Section 90/91 Notice of Community Supervision.

The licence states where they must live, and may set other conditions about their behaviour like curfews, or restrictions upon who they may contact (to keep them away from bad influences, or to protect victims. Some young people are placed under the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance (ISS) as a condition of their Licence.

Young people must report to their YJS officer on the day of their release, and attend weekly appointments after that. There will also be regular home visits and planning meetings to monitor their progress. Family members and carers are usually invited to these meetings.

Failure to comply with the licence conditions or YJS appointments can result in breach proceedings, and the young person may have to return to custody.