‘Desistance from youth Offending: emerging themes’

This paper outlines a PhD study that explores the complex factors and processes involved the desistance from offending of young people. The study is looking closely at three broad themes: (1) the perspectives of young people and youth justice practitioners; (2) the quality of the relationship between young people and youth justice practitioners; (3) and the importance of the relationship between young people and practitioners. Empirical research has be conducted (and continues to be), and the principal design used is that of exploratory case studies, based in more than one geographical area. The study uses interviews with a small group of young people known to local Youth Offending Teams, and interviews with youth justice practitioners. Transcripts are analysed using Yin’s approach, with the aim of identifying links between multiple factors; allowing the paper to look at youth offending in context. As data analysis has only very recently begun, the paper will outline the very early emerging themes. The results of this study could be used to inform youth offending policy and practice, adhering to the Welsh Government’s vision and commitment to prevent young people entering the criminal justice system in the first place and to reduce reoffending in Wales.