 The role and responsibilities of YOTs is designated under s 66 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, any offender who is warned must referred to the local YOT, Youth Courts also refer offender to the YOT.The law of England and Wales recognises that, so far as possible, mentally ill defenders should not receive punitive sentences, however, they should receive treatment.The courts have a wide array of power available to them, in addition to the ordinary sentences which can be passed, there are special provisions aimed at treating mentally ill offenders in a suitable manner.