scholarly journals Hearing the voice of looked after children: challenging current assumptions and knowledge about pathways into offending

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 122-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Marie Day
Keyword(s):  
Residential Care ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Youth Justice ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Looked After Children ◽  
The Voice

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the early findings of research which aims to hear the voice of looked after children about their pathways into offending and subsequent entry into the youth justice system, and the implications that this may have for policy and practice. Design/methodology/approach One-to-one semi-structured interviews have taken place with 19 looked after children, who are also subject to youth justice supervision. The interviews have been analysed to identify emerging themes, using broadly grounded approaches. Findings Three important findings arise from the interviews with the participants. First, children in care are being labelled and removed from the mainstream due to problematic behaviours, rather than searching for the underlying cause of the behaviour. Second, significant anger and frustration is expressed towards residential care staff and the child’s social worker, due to several reasons relating to the institutional environment within residential care, and a lack of trust for those professionals with whom control over the child’s life rests. Finally, the children describe feeling powerless whilst in care, and within this context, the peer group plays a crucial role within the lives of the children interviewed. Research limitations/implications The findings are based on the subjective views of 19 interviewees. The sample is not representative, and has not been compared with other forms of data. Rather, it provides the reader with the perspectives of some of the most challenging and vulnerable children in the youth justice system, and places their voice at centre stage. Practical implications This paper points to several challenges within current youth justice and social work practice which led to the interviewees feeling disempowered and ambivalent about their future. A number of recommendations for policy and practice are made in the concluding sections of the paper which may assist those in policy and practice. Originality/value The voice of the looked after child who is also subject to youth justice has not been given centre stage within research to date. The findings are based on this voice and offer a different perspective about a looked after child’s pathways into offending. A number of potential implications for policy and practice, which could be considered and implemented to deal with this problem, are then discussed.

scholarly journals Looked after children and youth justice: a response to recent reviews

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 102-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Staines
Keyword(s):  
Justice System ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Youth Justice ◽  
Criminal Proceedings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Response ◽  
Looked After Children ◽  
After Care ◽  
The Government

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a response to a recent government-commissioned review of residential care (Narey, 2016), and the subsequent government response (Department of Education (DfE), 2016), which minimises the correlation between the experience of being looked after and becoming involved in the youth justice system. The Narey review emphasises on the role of early adversity in looked after children’s offending behaviour but minimises the significance of experiences during and after care, and downplays the effect of policies and practices that may exacerbate looked after children’s involvement in the youth justice system. Design/methodology/approach The paper builds upon a systematic literature review conducted for the Prison Reform Trust (Staines, 2016) to demonstrate the extent of current knowledge about how risk factors, adverse experiences during and after care and the criminalisation of looked after children combine to increase the likelihood of involvement in criminal proceedings. The paper also highlights gaps in the research evidence, particularly in relation to gender and ethnicity. Findings The findings suggest that the Narey review (2016) and the government response (DfE, 2016), are misguided in their attempts to minimise the role of care in looked after children’s disproportionate representation within the youth justice system. The paper cautions against the over-simplification of a complex relationship and emphasises on the importance of recognising the intersection between different factors. Originality/value The paper uses secondary sources to develop an original argument to rebut claims within a recently published review.

scholarly journals What do we know about girls in the care and criminal justice systems?

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Fitzpatrick
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Looked After Children ◽  
Criminal Justice Systems ◽  
The Law ◽  
Future Policy ◽  
And Control

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the neglect of girls in care who come into conflict with the law, arguing that a gender-neutral approach in this area risks further marginalising an already vulnerable population. Design/methodology/approach A critical review of the literature and current policy climate is undertaken to explore what is known about the experiences of females in the justice system, as well as knowledge gaps. Findings Evidence on the prevalence and nature of offending by girls in care is limited. However, as looked after children, girls may be more likely to have their own behaviour unnecessarily criminalised. Whilst females and males share some prior experiences of victimisation and trauma, girls also have distinct needs and may be assessed and managed by state care and control systems in very different ways. Research limitations/implications The paper is not based on primary research and does not present a systematic review of the literature. Practical implications The need to listen to girls and young women, and a far greater recognition of backgrounds of trauma must underpin future policy and practice. Diversion from the formal criminal justice system wherever possible is also a key goal to aspire to. Originality/value This paper focuses on the specific experiences of females. It calls for a gender-sensitive, trauma-informed approach to working with girls and women from the care system who come into conflict with the law, and questions the value of criminalising those whom the state previously deemed to be in need of welfare and support.

scholarly journals Residential care and criminalisation: the impact of system abuse

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Residential Care ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Youth Justice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present and explore the findings of part of the author’s research study, an aim of which is to illuminate factors at policy, practice and procedural levels that contribute to the criminalisation of children in residential care in England. Design/methodology/approach This study utilises semi-structured interviews with children, young people, and professional adults in the care system. Findings Through analysis of the semi-structured interviews, the paper highlights how “system abuse” can contribute to poor outcomes, including involvement with the youth justice system. Originality/value The paper concludes by arguing that in order to successfully decrease criminalisation, it is necessary to employ an approach which, while acknowledging individual culpability, both recognises and focuses on the contribution of wider systemic failings.

Commentary on “The experiences of older carers of people with learning disabilities: ‘I just carry on with it’”

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-62
Author(s):  
Jan Sunman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Voice

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the article by Rachel Forrester-Jones on the experiences of older carers of people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach The commentary reflects on the themes identified in the original article, comparing its findings to the lived experiences of those taking part in older carers’ projects in Oxfordshire, England. Findings Similar broad themes were identified in both samples. Given these findings, the extent to which matters have changed, since the Valuing People work on older carers is considered. Originality/value The paper discusses policy and practice implications to improve the quality of life of older carers and their families and explores how the voice of older carers can be strengthened to enable them to shape practice and policy.

Social Work and Youth Justice in a Global Context

2014 ◽  
pp. 149-165
Author(s):  
Bill Whyte
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Youth Justice ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Global Context ◽  
Global Challenges ◽  
Social Work Practitioners ◽  
International Obligations

Social work in youth justice is directed by international standards based on an implied socio-educative paradigm that conflicts with the dominant criminal justice paradigm in operation in most jurisdictions. This creates global challenges in establishing “child-centred” policy and practice for dealing with young people under the age of 18 years in conflict with the law. Social work practitioners, directed by international imperatives and professional ethics, operate between shifting and often conflicting paradigms. It is essential they are familiar with international obligations and operate as “culture carriers” providing an ongoing challenge to systems of youth justice. This chapter examines these issues and, in the absence of consensus or of a shared paradigm for social work practice across jurisdictions, considers what a socio-educative paradigm for practice might look like.

scholarly journals Challenges and opportunities for gender-affirming healthcare for transgender women in prison

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Sevelius ◽  
Valerie Jenness
Keyword(s):  
Justice System ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Women In Prison ◽  
Detention Facilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to briefly address three interrelated areas of concerns – victimization, housing placement and healthcare provision – related to the health and welfare of transgender women in jails, prisons and other types of detention facilities. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a growing body of research on health risks for transgender women who are detained in facilities in California and elsewhere, the authors provide recommendations for policy and practice that constitutes gender-affirming healthcare for transgender women behind bars. Findings Policymakers, correctional leaders, and prison-based clinicians have a number of opportunities to address the welfare of transgender women in jails, prisons and other types of detention facilities. Originality/value This policy brief offers concrete steps government officials can take to better meet their professional and constitutional obligations, provide higher quality care for transgender women involved in the criminal justice system, and effectuate positive changes in transgender women’s health and welfare both inside and outside of carceral environments.

Investigating the voice of the young offender

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Trivasse
Keyword(s):  
Young Person ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Youth Justice ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Children's Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Children’S Services ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Voice

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to fulfil national guidelines for greater participation of young people within Children’s Services and specifically explored young offenders’ (YOs) views and experiences of the Youth Justice Service (YJS). Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative evidence regarding the experiences of 11 YOs. The interviews were created with four subsections: demographic information, positive and negative aspects of the YJS, feelings regarding YJS involvement, and hindsight and future plans. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Two main themes arose: how participants perceived their journey through the YJS, and the relationships participants had with both the professionals and activities. Overall, the genuineness and parental quality of the relationships between YOs and YJS workers, and the personal relevance of the work, both appeared more important than formal interventions. Practical implications Implications for YJS practice suggest the need to create a context of genuine care. This includes building a relationship with, and working collaboratively with the YO, the provision of structure and boundaries, ensuring clarity in service provision and tailoring work to the individual and the offence. Originality/value This work satisfies Children’s Services guidance to obtain the view of the young person. It evaluates work within a specific YJS and provides implications for altering the focus of this work. The outcomes offer wider implications for all YJS provisions.

scholarly journals Challenges to providing culturally sensitive drug interventions for black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME) groups within UK youth justice systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-181
Author(s):  
Helen Gleeson ◽  
Karen Duke ◽  
Betsy Thom
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Young People ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Youth Justice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Drug Interventions ◽  
Diverse Groups ◽  
Minority Ethnic

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how substance use practitioners intervene with ethnically and culturally diverse groups of young people in contact with the youth justice system. Design/methodology/approach Telephone, face-to-face interviews and a focus group were conducted. Data were analysed thematically using a frame-reflective theoretical approach. Findings Practitioners tended to offer individualised interventions to young people in place of culturally specific approaches partly due to a lack of knowledge, training or understanding of diverse cultural needs, and for practical and resource reasons. Research limitations/implications Practitioners reject the official narrative of BAME youth in the justice system as dangerous and in need of control, viewing them instead as vulnerable and in need of support, but report they lack experience, and sufficient resources, in delivering interventions to diverse groups. Originality/value There is little information regarding how practitioners respond to diversity in their daily practice. This paper is an exploration of how diversity is framed and responded to in the context of youth substance use and criminal justice.

Child protection in England: an emerging inequalities perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 107-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Bywaters ◽  
Tim Sparks
Keyword(s):  
Child Welfare ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Child Welfare Services ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Welfare Services ◽  
The Past ◽  
Looked After Children ◽  
Policy Statements ◽  
Policy Direction

Purpose In the past 40 years, both health policy and educational policy in England have adopted commitments to reducing socially created inequalities. However, an inequalities perspective has only begun to emerge in relation to child protection, and child welfare services more widely. The purpose of this paper is to chart evidence of these green shoots of a new policy direction which focusses on two aspects: equalising service provision and outcomes for looked after children. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides an analysis of trends in policies as expressed in official documents, research studies and policy statements. Findings The paper outlines the argument for a more comprehensive approach to addressing inequalities in child protection and child welfare services, and concludes by suggesting some implications for policy and practice. Originality/value The paper develops the concept of an inequalities perspective in child protection and outlines key implications.

scholarly journals Strategic complexities and opportunities in Welsh youth justice: exploring YJB Cymru

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 109-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Case
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Youth Justice ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Documentary Analysis ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Practice Development ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The paper presents and discusses the findings of a Strategic Insight Programme placement that explored the Youth Justice Board for Wales (YJB Cymru), a division of the YJB for England and Wales since the abolition of the regional structure in April 2012. The focus of the placement was on exploring the role of YJB Cymru in the development of youth justice policy and practice in the unique, partially devolved context of Wales. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The research was conducted over a six-month period from February to July 2013. A multiple methods design was adopted, consisting of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (YJB Cymru staff, Welsh Government staff and Youth Offending Team staff), observations of policy and practice mechanisms (YJB Cymru meetings, YOT projects) and documentary analysis of YJB Cymru publications. Findings – Thematic analyses demonstrated that YJB Cymru has an increasingly important role in policy and practice development structures and processes in England and Wales more broadly (e.g. within the YJB for England and Wales) and in the Welsh national context specifically. YJB Cymru fulfills a role of dual influence – working both with government (UK and Welsh) and youth justice practitioners (mainly YOT managers and staff) to mediate and manage youth justice tensions in the partially devolved Welsh policy context through relationships of reflective and critical engagement. Originality/value – This study draws inspiration from the groundbreaking research of Souhami (2011) and builds on those findings to provide a unique insight into the organisation and role YJB Cymru in the complex and dynamic context of youth justice in Wales.

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