Exploring the Youth Justice System: An Introduction for Arts Practitioners

The supported open learning element of the programme introduces participants to the youth justice system and covers:

• a history of the youth justice system

• the young people who are involved

• organisations involved in youth justice

• processes and themes

• the context of ‘Every Child Matters’ and ‘Rights to Action’

• the principles of effective practice

To support them, participants will receive:

• a short guide with summary information, learning activities and details for accessing the associated website

• a website with resources, learning activities and links to key sites, study and career advice, plus links to information relevant to artists and arts organisations working, or wanting to work, in the field of youth justice

• interactive learning and diagnostic tests providing feedback on what is learned

• a copy of Effective Practice in Youth Justice by Stephenson, Giller and Brown, 2007

There will be two full-day workshops, one at the start of the programme and the other a month later, to enhance the open learning element, giving participants the opportunity to consider the implications for working, through the arts, with children and young people at risk of offending and re-offending. The workshops will combine group discussion, investigation and role play. Case studies and DVD material will illustrate the current contexts in which the arts are used in this work. The workshops will also provide participants with an opportunity to network with colleagues.