Skip to search boxSkip to navigationSkip to main content

"Believing" in youth justice

Research Output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter Peer-review

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Abstract

This chapter will explore the dynamics of young offenders’ world views and the importance of understanding and utilising this concept as a resource for effective practice in youth justice. It will examine the role of religion in youth justice; how the interplay between a young person’s agency, beliefs, values and behaviour generates possibilities for change. The particular focus will be on young people’s religious identity and its implications for supporting the initial transitions towards abstinence from offending. The chapter will discuss the issues for practitioners of developing “religious literacy” and explore strategies for opening up conversations with young people about their belief systems. The notion of the good life as a life worth living will be scrutinised as a strengths-based model of rehabilitation through identifying youth offenders’ future goals and intended strategies for achieving them. Furthermore, it will examine the notion of moral exemplars as a catalyst for transformation. The importance of faith communities as a resource for practitioners and young people in conflict with the law will also be explored.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Chapter Peer-review

Host publication Subtitle

A Critical Appraisal

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 82-94 (13 pages)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 30/12/2022

Publication status

Published - 30/12/2022

Publisher

Routledge, United States, United Kingdom

ISBN (Print)

9781032232881

ISBN (Electronic)

9781000821512

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/626919
  • Scopus: 85143878867

Host publication title

Crime, Criminal Justice and Religion

Host publication editors

  • Philip Birch
  • Conor Murray
  • Andrew McInnes

Access to documents

Publication metrics