research report

Class of 2011 yearbook: how happy are young people and why does it matter?

This report puts the national statistics about children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health into context, and tells the stories of some typical young Relate clients. It also presents the evidence that emotional and mental distress in childhood and adolescence matter in both the short and long term, and that they can be ameliorated by the right services being easily available. Recommendations are also made for the provision of these services.

Child and family practitioners' understanding of child development: lessons learnt from a small sample of serious case reviews

The aim of the study is to provide an in depth exploration of a small number of serious case reviews to consider how the knowledge that practitioners, and especially social workers, have on child development might have had an impact on the case and on outcomes for the children.

Six serious case reviews were selected from thirty three of the available serious case reviews which had been completed in 2009 or 2010.

Prevention and reduction: a review of strategies for intervening early to prevent or reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour

Review aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the key characteristics of ‘what works’ in terms of early interventions to prevent or reduce youth crime or anti-social behaviour.

By drawing on evidence from the international literature, primarily the US where the evidence base is especially strong, it provides a critical evaluation of youth crime interventions in England, where the scientific evidence is less robust.

The care of looked after children in custody: a short thematic review

Commissioned by the Youth Justice Board, this thematic review reports on the care of looked after children aged 15 to 18 in young offender institutions. It examines the experience of these children, using survey data and in-depth interviews.

Case supervisors, advocates and representatives from safeguarding teams provide an establishment perspective on how the needs of looked after children are met in custody and in preparation for their release.