New Research Highlights Trust in Youth Justice Relationships

Recent findings from the University of Limerick (UL) underscore the importance of trust-based relationships between youth justice practitioners and young people in fostering positive change and reducing offending behavior. The study, conducted by the Research Evidence into Policy, Programmes, and Practice (REPPP) team in the School of Law, focused on the impact of these relationships within Ireland’s Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs).

Building Effective Relationships

The research demonstrated that effective professional relationships are critical for achieving key outcomes that contribute to positive behavioral changes in young individuals. These outcomes include enhanced trust in adults and services, improved coping abilities, and increased confidence and self-worth.

Dr. Seán Redmond, adjunct professor of Youth Justice and Director of REPPP at UL, emphasized the role of these relationships in guiding young people away from offending behavior. He stated, “Relationships cannot change the world or the structural inequalities that many of our young people face, but they are agile, endlessly flexible and resilient to knocks and shocks.”

Dr. Redmond added that these relationships can empower young people to navigate challenges, embrace new opportunities, and connect with supportive networks, suggesting that they can be transformational in nature.

Supporting Youth Diversion Initiatives

The findings are compiled in a new report titled Better Together: Developing Relational Practice to Effect Change in Young People’s Offending Behaviour. This report has informed the development of national guidance for YDPs, aiming to enhance intervention strategies that divert young people from criminal activity.

The REPPP Action Research Project, which spanned three years, collaborated with 16 YDPs across Ireland. The project engaged 60 youth justice practitioners, managers, and members of the Gardaí, along with 27 young individuals who shared their experiences with youth justice services.

To facilitate the implementation of the new guidance, REPPP plans to offer various supports, including webinars, events, and a new six-part podcast series launching soon. The podcast will be hosted by James Leonard, known for his work on The Two Norries podcast, which focuses on themes of recovery and community engagement.

Through this research, the University of Limerick aims to bridge the knowledge gap in youth justice practices and foster a supportive environment for young people in Ireland.