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The position of relationship based practice in youth justice

Sean Creaney (Lecturer in Childhood and Youth Studies, based at Stockport College, Stockport, UK and a Trustee of the National Association for Youth Justice, London, UK)

Safer Communities

ISSN: 1757-8043

Article publication date: 8 July 2014

726

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider 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/methodology/approach

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/value

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.

Keywords

Citation

Creaney, S. (2014), "The position of relationship based practice in youth justice", Safer Communities, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 120-125. https://doi.org/10.1108/SC-04-2014-0006

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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