Curriculum Information

The module will include coverage of the following subjects:

Social Constructions and Representations of Children, Young People, and Crime:

• Exploration of societal perceptions and portrayals of youth involvement in criminal activities.

• Analysis of media influence and cultural stereotypes regarding youth crime.

Child and Adolescent Development:

• Understanding the psychological and social developmental stages of children and adolescents.

• Discussion on how developmental factors can contribute to or mitigate involvement in criminal behaviour.

Politics and Policy:

• Overview of international frameworks on children's rights and their application in the criminal justice system.

• Analysis of restorative justice principles and their potential in addressing youth crime.

• Examination of political and policy landscapes, with a focus on the Welsh context.

'Anti-Social Behaviour':

• Exploration of the concept of anti-social behaviour and its intersection with youth crime.

• Critique of policy responses aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour among young people.

Theoretical Explanations of Youth Crime:

• Introduction to criminological theories such as Deviant Subculture Theory, Social Control Theory, and Social Disorganisation Theory.

• Application of theoretical frameworks to understand patterns of youth offending.

Risk Factor Prevention Paradigm and Assessment Tools:

• Examination of risk factors associated with youth offending and the role of prevention strategies.

• Analysis of assessment tools and their importance in informing intervention strategies.

The Justice vs. Welfare Debate:

• Exploration of tensions between punitive justice approaches and welfare-oriented interventions.

• Discussion on the balance between punishment and rehabilitation in addressing youth crime.

What Works:

• Evaluation of effective interventions and programmes targeting youth offending.

• Discussion on the emergence and impact of 'What Works' approaches in youth justice.

Diversion and Early Intervention:

• Examination of diversionary schemes and early intervention programmes aimed at diverting young people away from the criminal justice system.

• Analysis of their effectiveness and ethical considerations.

Supervising Young People in the Community:

• Discussion on community-based supervision methods for young offenders.

• Exploration of approaches to support reintegration and rehabilitation.

Young People and Custody:

• Analysis of the impact of custodial sentences on young people.

• Examination of alternatives to custody and their effectiveness in reducing reoffending.

• Exploration of the experiences of young people in public care within the criminal justice system.

• Discussion on the challenges and opportunities for supporting children and young people.

Gender & Ethnicity:

• Examination of the intersectionality of gender and ethnicity in experiences of youth crime and justice.

• Analysis of disparities in treatment and outcomes based on gender and ethnicity.

Developing Ethical and Effective Practice:

• Exploration of ethical considerations in working with young people in the criminal justice system.

• Discussion on best practices for promoting positive outcomes and reducing harm.

Offence Analysis:

• Introduction to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and its application in understanding and addressing youth offending.

• Overview of the ABC model (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence) and eco-maps as tools for offence analysis