Proactive responses to delinquent behaviours in out-of-home care

Abstract

The transition from childhood to young adulthood is often associated with a range of challenges that can be overwhelming for a young person. For young people in out-of-home care, complex histories that may include traumatic personal experiences can make this transition even more problematic, both for the young person and their carers. This is the final paper in a series of four which has focussed on a range of challenging behaviours in children and young people in out-of-home care. This paper examines delinquency and its associated effects on young people and carers and outlines specific considerations for carers and other health professionals in responding appropriately to delinquent behaviours in young people.