Foundations for Youth Justice: Positive Approaches to Practice

Description

How can youth justice refocus its attentions on the rights and perspectives of young people in transition? This exciting new book outlines the state of practice now in flux within structures created by New Labour but moving in a different direction under the Coalition Government. With a loosening of rules and prescription, it explores opportunities for a fresh orientation that places young people at the centre and works collaboratively to nurture strengths, competences and capital. The chapters build a picture of the risks and problems that modern society creates for young people, while acknowledging that society must respond when their behaviours legitimately cause risks and problems for others. The burning question is how we do so and this book proposes a critical perspective that leads into a bold, but realistic remodelling of practice. It will be ideal for students of youth justice and criminal justice on foundation, post-qualifying or professional (CPD) courses.

Anne Robinson worked as a practitioner in the probation service and as a manager in youth offending teams before becoming a senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University in 2005. She currently leads a degree programme and graduate diploma for qualifying probation officers. She is author of Foundations for Offender Management: Theory, Law and Policy for Contemporary Practice and is co-editor of Values in Criminology and Criminal Justice (both available from Policy Press).

"As the New Labour youth justice orthodoxy begins to unravel, Robinson delivers precisely what is required. She offers a radical but realistic prescription for youth justice practice based on an understanding of young people as active protagonists in determining their own future, albeit in adverse circumstances. The book deserves a wide audience." ----Dr Tim Bateman, Reader in youth justice, University of Bedfordshire. "This is a landmark book. Robinson's scholarly and measured voice draws out 'state of the art' theory and empirical research at the same time as drawing in practitioners and providing them with the tools to think reflexively about their practice and the policy field they work within. Should be necessary reading for everyone currently working in youth justice!" ---Professor Jo Phoenix, University of Leicester. "This is a very welcome book...there are useful 'implications for practice' sections at the end of each chapter as well as recommendations for further reading...A book that should certainly appeal to both students and practitioners of youth justice." Professional Social Work.