Residential Children's Homes and the Youth Justice System Identity, Power and Perceptions

By drawing upon the experiences and perspectives of children and young people who have offended whilst in residential care, as well as a number of professionals from the care and youth justice systems, this book aims to illuminate the pressing issue of why residents of children's homes come to the attention of the youth justice system, and the consequent implications for policy and practice. Putting aside the discourses of individual culpability and responsibility, this text focuses on the necessity of an holistic approach which recognises the contribution of values and identities formed prior to entering residential care, the importance of staff-resident and peer relationships, the institutional culture and environment, and the impact of overarching policy. Only through this approach can we make realistic progress in addressing youth justice involvement in a way which benefits the greatest number of children and young people.

Julie Shaw is a Research Fellow in the School of Applied Social Sciences at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, and has previously worked as a Probation Officer. She is co-author of Young People and the Care Experience: Research, Policy and Practice.

Introduction

1. Developments and Experiences in Residential Care

2. Policy Context of Research

3. Introducing the Research Study: Theory and Method

4. Disempowerment, Responsibility and Difference

5. Solidarity, Conflict and the Residential Regime

6. Instability, Homogeneity and Isolation

7. 'Policing', Power and Perceptions

8. Key Findings and Implications for Policy and Practice