Hard-To-Reach Young People and Community Safety: A Model for Participatory Research and Consultation

• NCJ Number: 193050
• Author(s): Rachel Pain; Peter Francis; Ingrid Fuller; Kate O'Brien; Sarah Williams
• Date Published: January 2002
• Length: 2 pages
• Sale Source: Great Britain Home Office, Policing and Reducing Crime Unit
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Police Research Series Paper 152; downloaded February 13, 2002.

Annotation

This study examined homeless and school-excluded young people’s experiences of crime and disorder.

Abstract

The study, undertaken in Newcastle upon Tyne in 2000, involved 118 homeless young people, 164 school excluded young people, and over 75 people who work with these groups. The young people were approached in the places where they normally met and were invited to respond to and develop a range of visual materials (including brainstorms and timelines); observation and informal discussions were also undertaken while these activities took place. Findings showed that the experience of being young and homeless meant being labeled in a particular way, largely as a criminal and as a threat to society. Most of their offending involved petty crime or victimless “lifestyle” crime, such as begging and drug use. They were most at risk in spaces where control was exercised over them, rather than on the street; these included the home and in dealings with the police. Their involvement in crime (as offender or victim) often exacerbated their existing situation and sometimes played a role in them being homeless. Findings showed that school-excluded young people were frequently labeled as troublemakers and offenders, and were valued little by many people and agencies. Offending was widespread among some groups of school excluded young people. The offenses included petty crime such as criminal damage and drug use, though some took part in more serious crime and involved familiar people and places. Those victimizing the young people were most likely to be other young people (especially bullying) and family members (sexual or physical abuse, fighting between siblings). During the project, Participatory Action Research and Consultation (PARC) was developed as a model for research and consultation with hard-to-reach groups. Consultation was done using participatory visual techniques, interviews, and other methods. This process should be flexible. Young people should have the opportunity to play a central role in checking and analyzing findings.