‘It’s Not Just Music, It Helps You from Inside’: Mixing Methods to Understand the Impact of Music on Young People in Contact With the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

<jats:p> In response to some of the criticisms of previous research into the arts in criminal justice, this article presents findings from research with a music programme run by a Youth Offending team (YOT). Data were collected on the attendance of 42 participants at YOT appointments – matched against a comparison group – and measures of change over time in musical development, attitudes and behaviour and well-being. Participants who completed the music programme were statistically more likely to attend YOT appointments than a comparison group. There were statistically significant improvements in participants’ self-reported well-being and musical ability over the course of the project. Effect sizes reached the minimum important difference for quantitative measures. To understand not just if, but how, any impact was achieved, and to ensure the voice of the young people was heard, the quantitative elements of the research were complemented and extended by in-depth interviews with 23 participants. </jats:p>

Developing creative methodologies: using lyric writing to capture young peoples’ experiences of the youth offending services during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…By making these suggestions, based on their previous discussions, it ensured that the lyrics developed, were authentic to those participating. The artist adopted the slang and language the young people used to ensure the lyrics were authentic to them (Daykin et al , 2017; Caulfield et al , 2020). Throughout, the artist was encouraging, giving them confidence in their writing.…”

“…To ensure the research had a meaningful outcome (Caulfield et al , 2020) for the young people engaged within it, the opportunity to record their work is being explored.…”

“…Participatory music programmes foster social reintegration, support mental health and well-being, equipping children and young people with life skills, competencies and emotional resilience. Caulfield et al (2020) have documented the benefits that art-based activities have for children and young people who are in contact with YOS. They found that those involved in music-based activities were more likely to attend YOS appointments, along with statistically significant improvements in self-reported wellbeing and music ability.…”

“…Whilst this research sought to explore the implications of this, in doing so it enabled young people to engage with an activity that might have had numerous social and emotional benefits and as such, provide a coping mechanism (Kelly, 2017) during this challenging time. It also allowed for an additional experience within the YOS which may have promoted young peoples’ engagement within (Caulfield et al , 2020) at a time where services were limited. Using an artist who could identify with the young people to a greater extent than the research team also created a distinction from the YOS.…”

Guest editorial

“…Research on the application of arts and music practices in a youth justice context remains relatively underdeveloped. However, artistic approaches, including rhythmically applied poetry and musical interventions, have gained traction in the criminological sphere in recent times (Smithson and Jones, 2021; Caulfield et al , 2020). The research paper by Laura Caulfield and Bozena Sojka explores arts and music practices with children on the cusp of entering the justice system, presenting findings on the impact of a music programme on the educational engagement and well-being of children.…”