Bridging Practice: The Use of Youth Work Methodologies Within Youth Justice. A Case Study of a Youth Justice Team in South Wales

This research centres on the presence of youth work methodologies in a youth justice context by undertaking a case study with a Youth Justice Team in South Wales. Criminal justice literature is increasingly recognising the importance of alternative approaches within the youth justice service, such as the Child First guidance. Yet little research has been afforded entirely to the prevalence of youth work methodologies in youth justice work. How do practitioners navigate the dichotomy between engagement and compliance when enacting their practice with young people, if at all? What does this tell us about the present state of youth justice practice and policy? The Child First approach was also considered, as this has been adopted by the Youth Justice Board as expected practice, to uncover whether it relates to or enhances the predominance of youth work methodologies in youth justice. This study investigates such queries with ten youth justice professionals to gain an understanding of their everyday work, identities and culture within a Youth Justice Team. In-depth conversations elicited the personal approaches of participants, and how they curated their work to uphold the interests, safety and well-being of the young people they supported. The study also invites exploration into the perspectives of young people who offend, and whether they feel advocated for or empowered by youth work methodologies in youth justice. This research illustrates how youth work is utilised within youth justice, yet certain personal, structural and cultural barriers obstruct its full implementation. Nevertheless, youth justice professionals strive to embed it in youth justice work, due to a recognition for youth work methodologies’ influence on participatory, engaging and meaningful practice with young people.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

ma

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Trueman, Taylor Louise

• HV Patholeg gymdeithasol. Lles cymdeithasol a chyhoeddus

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3784