Investigating the voice of the young offender
| Published date | 13 February 2017 |
| Pages | 77-88 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-09-2015-0047 |
| Date | 13 February 2017 |
| Author | Heidi Trivasse |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Law enforcement/correctional,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice |
Investigating the voice of the
young offender
Heidi Trivasse
Abstract
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 hindsightand
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.
Keywords Qualitative, Restorative justice, Participant views, Therapeutic relationship, Young offender,
Youth Justice Service
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Participation in children’s services
Across children’s services, there has been growing support for the involvement of young people
in decisions that affect them (Department of Health, 1989; Munro, 2011). National reports have
commented that only young people “can help adults to know what will really work for them –and
more importantly what won’t work”(NACRO, 2008). The Munro Review (2011) Review, which
outlines recommendations for working with vulnerable children, states the need for a child-
centred system, recognising “young people as individuals with rights, including their right to
participate in major decisions about them”. The development of school councils and
employment of children’s participation officers are examples of practical mechanisms designed
to encourage participation (Lansdown, 2001).
However, in the Youth Justice Service (YJS) it appears less emphasis is placed upon involvement
of young people in decision-making and service development with few formal mechanisms
implemented to gather young offender’s (YOs) opinions (Hart and Thompson, 2009). Often, the
term “participation”refers to joining in with activities rather than actively contributing to decisions.
Divergent definitions of “participation”between the YJS and other children’s services may be
significant when ensuring service effectiveness. Particularly within the field of community
penalties, YO participation and compliance is greatly relied upon –Bottoms (2001) noted that
Received 17 September 2015
Revised 30 January 2016
28 April 2016
5 July 2016
4 August 2016
Accepted 6 August 2016
The author would like to thank
Dr C. Fox and Dr S. Mitra for their
insight, teaching and support
during the completion of the
author’s Master’s Degree. The
author would also like to show her
gratitude to Mark Philips who
supervised her time with the Youth
Justice Service, as well as the
participants whose time and
willingness made this service
evaluation possible.
Heidi Trivasse is a
Multisystemic Therapist at
Birmingham Children’s
Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
DOI 10.1108/JFP-09-2015-0047 VOL. 19 NO. 1 2017, pp. 77-88, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794
j
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE
j
PAG E 77
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