The role of the psychologist working in the youth justice system

• Main Author: Warnock, Sue
• Published: University of Warwick 2005
• Subjects: 370; BF Psychology
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.633044

The study describes the role of psychologists working in the newly reformed youth justice system. Particular attention is paid to the professional activities of psychologists, the models of assessment and intervention employed, the methods by which effective practice is measured and to the ethical dilemmas and professional issues impacting upon psychologist's work and the professional support systems used to support the resolution of such dilemmas. A two-part survey was used to explore the role of psychologists working in Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) in England and Wales. The number of psychologists attached to or working with YOTs was established via direct telephone enquiry to the 155 YOTs and then personalised letters, follow-up letters and postal questionnaires were sent out to all 39 identified psychologists. Following a good overall (71.8%) return rate, major aspects of the role and professional activity of the 'YOT psychologist' were identified, together with the professional issues and ethical dilemmas which were most exercising the minds of the 28 questionnaire respondents. The majority of Part 1 participants (18) were subsequently interviewed by telephone to obtain a deeper understanding of such issues as client consent, role conflict, confidentiality, problems with court commissioned work and the notion of 'crime prevention'. An apparent lack of appropriate professional development opportunity for the participant group was explored in the light of the results and opinions were sought on how psychologists would most like to be supported with their YOT related work in the future.