Residential care and criminalisation: the impact of system abuse

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and explore the findings of part of the author’s research study, an aim of which is to illuminate factors at policy, practice and procedural levels that contribute to the criminalisation of children in residential care in England.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilises semi-structured interviews with children, young people, and professional adults in the care system.

Findings

Through analysis of the semi-structured interviews, the paper highlights how “system abuse” can contribute to poor outcomes, including involvement with the youth justice system.

Originality/value

The paper concludes by arguing that in order to successfully decrease criminalisation, it is necessary to employ an approach which, while acknowledging individual culpability, both recognises and focuses on the contribution of wider systemic failings.

Citation

Shaw, J. (2017), "Residential care and criminalisation: the impact of system abuse", Safer Communities, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 112-121. https://doi.org/10.1108/SC-02-2017-0008