Responding to youth gangs in England: a public health model?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider youth gangs and county lines with reference to the current drive for a public health response to these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint paper traces the development of gang and serious youth violence responses in England, exploring the shift from a punitive to safeguarding response to young people affected by these issues.

Findings

Drawing on the learning from both Scotland and the USA, this paper considers the relevance of a public health model to responding to youth gangs and county lines, highlighting the key facets of such an approach.

Originality/value

This paper provides a historical context to the issues surrounding previous responses to youth gangs and goes on to consider the practicalities and relevance of a public health model response.

Citation

Pitts, J. (2019), "Responding to youth gangs in England: a public health model?", Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 124-130. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCS-02-2019-0010