The position of relationship based practice in youth justice

Abstract

The position of relationship based practice in youth justicePurpose: This paper considers the position of relationship-based practice in youth justice by looking at how 'effective programmes' seem to have been given heightened importance over 'effective' young person-worker relationships.Design: By critically reviewing the literature on the topic, the paper promotes debate on the position of relationship based practice in youth justice.Findings: It is argued that the young person-worker relationship is very important. A genuine and empathetic relationship can reduce the chances of re-offending and improve the child's personal, social and emotional development. By being respectful and listening attentively to children's 'life stories', barriers can be overcome, potentially resulting in lifestyle, social and behavioural change. However, although there is evidence that developing a trusting relationship is 'effective' and that it is a key component of effective practice, what is less clear is how to practically secure the engagement of a child. Originality:In comparison to the emphasis on effective programme intervention, there has been less research done on the 'characteristics' of effective staff practice in youth justice.

‘It’s a No-Win Scenario, either the Police or the Gang Will Get You’: Young People and Organised Crime – Vulnerable or Criminal?

“…This also supports the findings from the literature of young people as vulnerable to exploitation (Arthur, 2010; Joseph, 2017; Sturrock and Holmes, 2015). The research in this project also supports the view of the literature that positive, long-term relationships with professionals are key to young people’s disengagement from crime (Creaney, 2014; Drake et al, 2014; Lemmon, 2008).…”

“…New preventative interventions need to involve a range of agencies working in partnership with an overall focus on safeguarding, as identified by Sturrock and Holmes (2015). They should focus on relationship-based practice with the opportunity for long-term support from a key worker for young people who are vulnerable to involvement with crime (Creaney, 2014). Most crucially, they need to be more supportive than punitive and to recognise young people's vulnerabilities.…”

“…The literature suggests that positive relationships are important in both the prevention and response to youth crime. Creaney (2014) advocates for a ‘relationship-based practice’ in Youth Justice that uses positive relationships between the professional and the young person as a tool for change. This is supported by Drake et al (2014) who also argue that effective practitioner–young person relationships are crucial to the effectiveness of interventions, as well as by Lemmon’s (2008) research in Australia, which suggested that young people at risk of engaging in crime need long-term support rather than short-term interventions for prevention to be effective.…”

Production and secretion of naphthoquinones is mediated by the MFS transporter MFS1 in the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps sp. BCC1869

“…Furthermore, it could be questioned whether such individuals are entitled to 'have their say' given their offender status (Creaney, 2014a;2014b). On the other hand, regardless of their status as offenders, as a society, we have an obligation to help a child who is in conflict with the law, provide support and steer them away from a life of crime (Robinson & Crow, 2009).…”

“…In so doing, practitioners need to commit to eradicating barriers to engagement by ensuring that the starting point of any intervention is the wishes, aspirations and goals of the child not the organisations or professionals priorities (National Youth Agency, 2011;Smith, 2008). Professionals should also aspire to allowing service users the opportunity to take more of an active lead in the design and delivery of services (Creaney, 2014a).…”