Practitioners and support staff working with children, young people and families are increasingly encountering areas of concern with gangs and serious youth violence and, as such, need to know how they relate to youth justice practice.

In this module, students will be introduced to youth justice practice as a specialist area within social care and community work. They will develop their knowledge and understanding of key themes, theories, strategies and risks, alongside practical tools and techniques, as a foundation for professional practice within this field.

They will explore definitions of youth justice, gangs, serious and youth violence, the criminogenic factors that put children and young people at risk, and the factors that can protect them from early criminality. Students will explore different strategies within youth justice practice to support children and young people, their families and the wider communities affected by gangs and serious youth violence.

They will also examine the theory and legislation that underpins this work alongside the core skills needed for professional practice in this field. Students will evaluate and review relevant theories, approaches and principles, and assess the impact of youth justice practice and the core principles of effective and safe practice.

The case study and report will be linked to:

LO. 1 Analyse a range of criminological theories relating to youth offending, gangs and serious youth violence;
LO. 2 Identify and critically evaluate a range of strategies in youth justice practice for addressing gangs and serious youth violence.

This module will use a case study to support the completion of a 2500 word report in which students will need to identify and critically evaluate a range of criminological perspectives relating to youth offending, gang membership and serious violence and strategies to address gang membership and youth violence.

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.
35 hours: initial assessment ASSET document of applicable criminological theory to case study / simulation.
35 hours: Intervention plans VIVA preparation of appropriate strategies to address youth offending, gang associate and youth violence.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Analyse a range of criminological theories relating to youth offending, gangs and serious youth violence.
University Learning Outcome
7. Analyse

Module Learning Outcome
2. Identify and critically evaluate a range of strategies in youth justice practice for addressing gangs and serious youth violence.
University Learning Outcome
3. Enquiry

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. London; Sage.

Gunter, A (2016) Race, Gangs and Youth Violence. Bristol; Policy Press.

N/A

Learners will be provided with a range of theoretical explanations for youth criminality, gang associations and violent behaviour drawing predominantly on the field of Criminology. Learners will also develop knowledge and understanding around assessment, intervention planning and how children, young people and families can be supported through a range of approaches and interventions.