‘It’s harder to go to court yourself because you don’t really know what to expect’: Reducing the negative effects of court exposure on young people – Findings from an Evaluation in Scotland

Abstract

In Scotland, the Whole System Approach to preventing and reducing offending includes the provision of court support for young people under 18 years. This article outlines the insights from an evaluation of one Scottish local authority's support service. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 26 participants were combined with observation of interactions between support workers and young people, with some additional follow-up statistical analysis of key outcomes. The insights suggest that the court support helped to reassure young people and make them more aware of their rights. It helped many young people to avoid receiving custodial sentences, meet bail conditions, reflect upon their offending behaviour and begin to make alternative choices.

Understanding Children’s Court Processes and Decisions: Perceptions of Children and Their Families

“…The articles forming part of the final eight included three which focused on parents’ experiences (Pennington, 2015, 2017; Richardson et al, 2014) and five in relation to children’s and young people’s voices (Block et al, 2010; Deuchar and Sapouna, 2016; Hobbs et al, 2014; Morash et al, 2014; Timms and Thoburn, 2006).…”

“…Deuchar and Sapouna (2016) interviewed 26 young people under 18 years of age attending court in Scotland. They reported that the young people found court support social workers (Whole System Team (WST) workers) helpful in explaining court processes and legal terminology, enabling them to be aware of their rights, improving their ability to participate and assisting many to avoid custodial sentences.…”

“…and Laura and the rest of the team had been up at court all their life with young people, so they know what they’re saying. (Deuchar and Sapouna, 2016: 135)…”

“…But if someone from the Whole System Team came then I know for a fact they would be a lot clearer. (Deuchar and Sapouna, 2016: 135)…”

The Semiotics of the Evolving Gang Masculinity and Glasgow

“…This has not been the case. Scotland's 'welfarist' approach to youth criminal justice (Deuchar and Sapouna 2016) has resulted in Glasgow's comparative neglect by the criminologists. Recent research focused upon territoriality, masculinity, and street socialization with some even arguing against the existence of youth gangs in Glasgow (Fraser 2013;Lawson 2013;Miller 2015).…”