Date of Award

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Community Services, Education and Social Sciences

First Supervisor

Trudi Cooper

Abstract

A successful transition from detention to living in the community is a critical step in preventing young people from recidivism and entrenchment in criminal activity (Utting & Vennard, 2000). According to Outcare, an organisation that provides support services to offenders, ex-offenders and their families, there seems to be difficulty accommodating newly released young people in existing accommodation services: additionally, many of these young people are not able to access existing support services which contributes significantly to recidivist behaviour. The purpose of undertaking this qualitative study was to examine the transitional support needs for young people leaving detention. The investigation adopted an 'Action Research' approach and utilised a reference group, involving stakeholders as experts in the field (Crane & Richardson, 2000; Wadsworth, 1997). A qualitative method was employed to collect data and to extrapolate common themes and meanings. Data was collected from three main sources (a literature review and scheduled interviews with service providers and two young people), and the method of triangulation was adhered to. The findings of the research will serve to inform Outcare on how to meet the needs of young people leaving detention, so that existing services may be improved, and participants may get better support when they depart the juvenile justice system.

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