This book provides a comprehensive, student-friendly and critical
introduction to youth justice in England and Wales, offering a balanced
evaluation of its development, rationale, nature and evidence base. It
explores the evolution of definitions and explanations of youth
offending and examines the responses to it that constitute youth
justice.
Bringing together theory, policy and practice, this book provides a
balanced exposition of contemporary youth justice debates, including
detailed discussions of governmental rationales, policy developments,
practical issues and an extensive evaluation of critical academic
positions. It includes a range of features designed to engage and
inspire students:
- 'Stop and think': Activities challenging students to reflect on
important issues.
- 'Conversations': Discussions of key themes and issues from the
perspectives and experiences of relevant stakeholders, including
policy makers and activists.
- 'Telling it like it is': Testimonies giving voice to the personalised,
subjective and contentious viewpoints of youth justice influencers.
- 'Controversies and debates': Prompts to stimulate students to question
and critique established knowledge and understanding by considering
alternative angles.
- 'Recurring theme alerts': Boxes flagging recurring themes in the
developing construction of youth offending and youth justice.
The new edition has been fully revised and updated and includes
discussion of revised National Standards in Youth Justice, the new
'Child First' strategic objective for youth justice, the 'trauma
informed practice' movement, the impact of coronavirus on children in
the Youth Justice System and the continued impact of austerity on policy
and practice.
This book is essential reading for students taking courses in youth
justice, youth offending, youth crime, youth work and social policy.
