This module will synthesise international criminological theory, with youth justice policy and practice skills. Learners will understand the multi-agency nature of the youth justice system. Learners will analyse a range of youth justice responses including out of court disposals, court orders and initiatives relating to parenting, schooling, problem drug or alcohol use or social inclusion. Learners will analyse the key principles relating to how youth justice has evolved and how punishment has modernised to create a balance between deterrence and rehabilitation. They will also examine some of the main theories and models that have been put forward to explain youth crime, including criminogenic risk, issues of trauma and adversity and maturation. The module will also consider sociological theories for young people’s involvement in crime and deviance.

The report activity will link to:
LO. 1 Understand the modes of youth justice practice
LO. 2 Evaluate the factors that contribute to youth offending in modern society
LO. 3 Analyse the current solutions proposed to contemporary youth offending

For this assessment you will be required to produce a 2000 word report which will discuss youth justice policy development and its impact on youth justice services. The report will also evaluate factors which contribute to children and young people engaging in criminal behaviour in modern society. Finally the report will provide an analysis of current responses to contemporary youth offending.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (30 hours)

You will attend lectures on key topics. There will also be opportunities to participate in small groups to explore some of the key issues raised in lectures and undertake activities.

Guided Independent Study: (170 hours)

100 hours: Independent reading - You will be expected to read the recommended reading and utilise the learning materials which you will have full access to via Blackboard.

70 hours: completion of report into youth justice policy and the effectiveness of its response to contemporary youth offending.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Understand modes of practice in youth justice.

University Learning Outcome
2. Learning

Module Learning Outcome
2. Evaluate the factors that contribute to youth offending in modern society.

University Learning Outcome
4. Analysis

Module Learning Outcome
3. Analyse the current solutions proposed to contemporary youth offending.

University Learning Outcome
5. Problem solving
7. Application

You will have access to a range of materials on Blackboard VLE including articles, session slides, and interactive activities. You will also be able to access a variety of digital material through our Library and specialist databases.

Case, S (2018) Youth Justice; A Critical Introduction, Routledge, Oxon.
Robinson, A., 2014. Foundations for youth justice: positive approaches to practice. Policy Press.

N/A

Learners will develop practice based skills for working with children, young people and families, there is a need for you to understand the relationship between young people and crime. This module will explore issues arising from official statistics or self-report studies, that show criminal and anti-social behaviour is at its highest during teenage years and that the life stages of childhood and adolescence are commonly seen as times when patterns for later life are being set. You will also explore how effective interventions, or a lack of them within a family unit, may impact on children and young people and play a decisive role as to whether young offenders become prolific criminals.