Is the Scaled Approach a Failed Approach?

This article evaluates the ‘Scaled Approach’ to youth justice adopted in England and Wales, compared with the ‘Children First’ approach adopted in Swansea. Using Youth Justice Board reconviction data, comparisons are made between the performance of the Scaled Approach pilot areas, Children First and all other Youth Offending Teams in England and Wales. Data indicates wide variability and inconsistency of practice across Youth Offending Teams, including the pilot areas. The Children First model emerges as a promising method of reducing reconviction rates, whereas the Scaled Approach (applied assiduously) has unintended negative consequences. Implications for youth justice assessment policy and practice are discussed.

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