Human Services News

Chapin Hall:

Rob Allen's report From punishment to problem solving: A new approach to children in trouble was published by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies in September 2006 as part of the Centre's Whose Justice? project.

The report, which is republished as Chapter 1 of this monograph, calls for a fundamental overhaul of the current youth justice system. It identifies the unnecessary criminalisation of young people, the failure of mental health and education services to provide appropriate services to children and young people at risk, the need for a less blame-centered approach and an exploitation of the benefits of recent developments in restorative justice.

The Crime and Society Foundation, which is based at the Centre for Crime
and Justice Studies, held a seminar in October 2006 to debate Rob Allen’s key recommendations. Rob, who had just stepped down from the Youth Justice Board after serving eight years, allowed his report to be dissected by leading academics, policy makers and practitioners in the field of youth justice.

The result was a fascinating and fierce debate. Many of the attendees voiced their interest in continuing the debate and opening it up to others in the field.