A question of age? applying desistance with children

Alexandra Wigzell
,
Tim Bateman

University of Cambridge
,
Institute of Applied Social Research (IASR)

Research Output:

Contribution to journal

Article

Peer-review

Open access

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Abstract

Youth justice in England and Wales has seen the increasing adoption of desistance thinking in recent years. There has been scarce academic debate of this development, despite the desistance evidence base focussing on adult pathways away from crime. This article examines the theorisation and application of desistance thinking with children, centring on the experiences and narratives of four ‘groups’ involved in the formal youth justice system in England and Wales, across two empirical studies. It challenges previous scholarship that denies the relevance of desistance theories to under-18s, arguing for progressive desistance practice that prioritises children’s healthy long-term development.