Wider research
Part of YJB’s statutory function is to ‘identify, make known and promote good practice’. This section provides a ‘living’ collection of evidence and research across the wider youth justice landscape. The aim is to disseminate information about the wider evidence base that exists in order to maximise positive outcomes for children who come into contact with the justice system.
It includes specific accessible research relevant to youth justice such as risk factors as well as systematic evidence reviews of specific areas. Links to the latest research in key areas of youth justice are included.
The YJB welcomes new additions to ‘Wider Research’. Please email papers to effectivepractice@yjb.gov.uk along with your rationale for inclusion.
Summary: Attached is the policy review concerned with county lines completed by Traverse. Description:The county lines pathfinder commissioned Travers to undertake a policy review that examines key policy areas in England and Wales relating to County Lines activity, such as education, criminal justice and children’s services. The policy review identifies opportunities to maximise enablers of good practice at the…
Summary: Attached is the link to the thematic inspection of the experience of black and mixed heritage boys in the youth justice system. Description: HM Inspectorate of Probation completed a thematic inspection report of the experiences of black and mixed heritage boys in the youth justice system. Made available by HMIP are also the Presentation slides for the experiences…
Summary: Attached is the summary from the prevention and diversion scoping survey of YOTs across England and Wales. Description: In February 2021, youth offending team managers were sent a consultation survey to scope prevention and diversion work conducted by their Service as part of a project commissioned by Youth Justice Board, National Probation Service and Association of YOT…
Summary: Attached is an article that analyses the impact of inspection on practitioners, practice and providers in Probation. Description: An analysis of inspection in probation and its impact on practitioners, practice and providers article analyses the impact of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation on practice, providers and practitioners. The article presents data from interviews with 77 participants from…
Summary: Attached are three articles concerned in the experience of children in youth court. Description: Attached below are three articles by Yannick van den Brink that explore the experience of children entering the youth justice system. The research articles are explorative in nature and based in one area of England. Equality in the Youth Court: Meaning, Perceptions and Implications…
Summary: Attached is the link to a literature review concerning the relationship between care status and children going into Custody. Description: University of Bedfordshire have published a literature review of the relationship between care status and child incarceration. The review aims to identify the particular pathways of looked after children into, through and leaving custody and to establish in…
Summary: Attached is the link to an article exploring the changing shape of youth justice models of practice in England. Description: Roger Smith and Patricia Gray have published The changing shape of youth justice: Models of practice. The article reports on a two-year investigation, which maps out contemporary approaches to the delivery of youth justice in England. The findings…
Summary: Attached is the link of the punishing abuse report which looks at the lives of 80 children that are involved in the criminal justice system. Description: The Punishing Abuse report was commissioned by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner. The report provides a number of recommendations and proposals that…
Summary: Attached below are the links to Bedfordshire University literature review and full report concerning the journey of children-looked after into, through and out of custody. Description: The University of Bedfordshire, in partnership with the South and West Yorkshire Consortium, and utilising the data collected by the Consortium, considered areas for further research with regard to over representation and…
Summary: Attached is a study completed by the University of Sussex concerning child criminal exploitation in the South East of England. Description: The limited body of research on Child Criminal Exploitation has been primarily focused on the phenomena as it has unfolded within cities and other large urban areas. Much less is known about the experiences of children, their…
Summary: Attached is the link to the report concerned with local penal cultures and the impact on outcome for children. Description: Howard League for Penal Reform has published Making Youth Justice: Local penal cultures and differential outcomes – lessons and prospects for policy and practice report. The report is underpinned by quantitative and qualitative research showing that youth…
Summary: Attached is the link to Not remotely fair? Access to a lawyer in the police station during the Covid-19 pandemic, a report which examines some of the consequences of remote legal advice. Description: Transform Justice, the National Appropriate Adult Network and Fair Trial have published their report, Not remotely fair? Access to a lawyer in the police…