What Works in Managing Young People Who Offend?
Managing young offenders is heartbreaking and hopeful work—creating safer communities while supporting rehabilitation. When I first started working with young offenders, I had so many preconceived notions. I thought it was all about punishment and control. But then, I met a young person who completely changed my perspective. It wasn't about being 'tough'; it was about understanding and support.
The latest international research highlights what actually works—and more importantly, what doesn’t—in reducing youth reoffending. This guide breaks down the key strategies backed by evidence, ensuring interventions are effective, humane, and cost-efficient.
1. Risk Assessment and Tailored Interventions
Young offenders are not a homogenous group—some require more intensive interventions than others. The Risk, Needs, and Responsivity (RNR) Model is the gold standard in determining what level of intervention a young person requires.
🔹 Comprehensive Risk Assessments – The first step is assessing the young person’s risk of reoffending. The higher the risk, the more tailored and intensive the intervention should be. 🔹 Individual Needs Matter – It’s not just about risk—it’s about learning styles, strengths, and motivations. Programmes should be matched to the individual, ensuring they are engaging and effective.
💡 I remember one young person I worked with. On paper, they were high-risk. But when we dug deeper, we found they were incredibly creative, with a real talent for art. We tailored their intervention around that, and it made all the difference.
🔹 For a deeper understanding of the RNR model, check out this resource from HM Inspectorate of Probation: RNR Model
2. Therapeutic Approaches vs. Punitive Measures
Research is clear: therapeutic interventions outperform punitive ones when it comes to reducing youth reoffending.
🔹 What Works: ✔ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helps young people develop better problem-solving and decision-making skills. ✔ Restorative Justice (e.g. Victim-Offender Mediation) – Encourages accountability and healing. ✔ Mentoring & Counselling – Individual and family-based interventions help address the root causes of offending. ✔ Skills Training Programmes – Teaching life skills, emotional regulation, and employment skills creates long-term benefits.
🔹 What Doesn’t Work: ❌ Scared Straight Programmes & Prison Visits – Research shows these interventions can increase offending. ❌ Military-Style Boot Camps – These have been found to have no long-term impact on reducing reoffending. ❌ Solely Punitive Approaches – While consequences matter, punishment alone does not change behaviour.
💡 I've seen 'Scared Straight' programmes firsthand. The kids came out more defiant, not less. It was heartbreaking. But I've also seen the power of restorative justice. I saw a victim and offender sit down, talk, and find a way to heal. It was transformative.
🔹 For examples of effective CBT programmes, consider: The youth endowment fund and it's resources and guides
3. Multi-Agency Collaboration: A Holistic Approach
Young offenders often have multiple risk factors—family dysfunction, peer pressure, mental health issues, substance misuse, or school disengagement. One agency cannot do it alone.
🔹 Key Multi-Agency Strategies: ✔ Integrated Case Management – Coordinated interventions from youth justice, social services, mental health, and education. ✔ Family and Community Involvement – Including families in the process helps address issues at their core. ✔ Service Brokerage – Linking young people to vocational training, education, or mental health services.
💡 I once focused too much on the young person’s criminal history, and not enough on their personal circumstances. I learned that to truly help, you must look at the whole person.
4. Community-Based Interventions & Diversion
For many young offenders, custody should be the last resort. Research consistently shows that keeping young people in their communities leads to better outcomes.
🔹 UK Examples: ✔ Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU) – A public health approach focusing on early intervention and changing violent culture. ✔ Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) – Multi-agency teams in England & Wales offering tailored rehabilitation services. ✔ Functional Family Therapy (FFT) – A family-based intervention improving communication and reducing reoffending. ✔ Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) – Home-based interventions with proven effectiveness in the UK. ✔ Beyond Youth Custody – An organisation supporting reintegration through mentoring, housing, and employment assistance.
🔹 International Examples: ✔ Norway’s Halden Prison – Focuses on rehabilitation and dignity, resulting in low recidivism rates. ✔ The Netherlands’ Youth Justice System – Emphasises diversion and restorative justice with a strong track record. ✔ Restorative Justice Practices (Global) – Used worldwide, shown to reduce reoffending and increase victim satisfaction.
5. Practitioner-Young Person Relationships: The Power of Trust
A positive, respectful relationship between a young person and their caseworker, probation officer, or mentor can be the turning point.
🔹 Key Strategies for Engagement: ✔ Motivational Interviewing – Helps young people reflect on their actions and commit to positive change. ✔ Clear and Consistent Communication – Being fair, firm, and transparent builds trust. ✔ Strength-Based Approaches – Focus on what young people can do, not just their past mistakes.
6. The Economic Case for Effective Youth Justice
Investing in quality, evidence-based interventions is not just socially beneficial—it’s also cost-effective.
🔹 For evidence on the economic benefits of CBT, see: WSIPP Report
Final Thoughts: Youth Justice is About Hope and Change
I have seen the system fail young people, and I have seen it help them succeed. It is not always easy.
What's the most challenging aspect of youth justice for you? Let's share our experiences and insights in the comments. 👇
#YouthJustice #Rehabilitation #ReducingReoffending #RestorativeJustice #JusticeReform
