Youth Justice
Summative assessment (75%): Essay (2000 words)
Unit ILOs: The objectives of the unit are to develop students’ awareness and knowledge of:
how children and young people are perceived and treated by the youth justice system in England and Wales theoretical, policy and professional approaches to the needs and rights of children and young people involved in offending behaviour international differences in the ways in which children are perceived and treated by criminal legislation.
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
identify the needs and rights of children and young people involved in offending behavior
apply these important considerations to situations where children and young people’s circumstances and experiences cause them to be subject to youth justice interventions
critically assess policy and professional responses to working with children involved in the youth justice system synthesise different theoretical, policy and professional approaches to youth offending
critically evaluate cross-national differences and similarities in perceptions of and the treatment of children within youth justice systems
Type of Assessment: Essay
Guidance: You must submit a 2,000 word written essay in answer to one of the following questions:
Critically discuss the use of custodial sentences for children who are convicted of serious offences. To what extent could restorative justice provide a suitable alternative to custodial sentences?
With reference to the deviancy amplification spiral (Wilkins 1964), critically discuss the relationship between public attitudes to young people and the development of youth justice policy. Use recent examples from England and Wales to illustrate your argument.
With reference to research evidence, describe the typical characteristics of children involved in two of the following types of offences: sexual offences; homicides; ‘county lines’ drug offences. Critically discuss the current youth justice responses to the children and young people involved and highlight areas for improvement.
With reference to relevant statistics, summarise the extent of discrimination within the youth justice system relating to two of the following factors: gender; ethnicity; status as a looked after child. Critically discuss potential explanations for such discrimination.
Outline the background to and the principles of the ‘Child First’ positive youth justice approach. What are the benefits and disadvantages of this approach when compared with other models of youth justice?
