‘You have to keep sight of the fact that these are children’: YOT worker perceptions of responsibilisation in youth justice

This research investigates what meaning ‘responsibilisation’ may have for practitionersworking with young people who break the law and come to the attention of their local Youth Offending Team (YOT). Within criminological literature, responsibilisation is commonly conceptualised as a negative youth justice practice that can provoke harmful outcomes. However, this does not always consider the perspectives of those working in the youth justice system. This research explores how the concept of responsibility is understood by YOT workers and how it shapes their practice. In this way, the subjective experiences of YOT practitioners can give meaning to what is meant by responsibilisation.

This research investigates what meaning ‘responsibilisation’ may have for practitioners working with young people who break the law and come to the attention of their local
Youth Offending Team (YOT). Within criminological literature, responsibilisation is commonly conceptualised as a negative youth justice practice that can provoke harmful
outcomes. However, this does not always consider the perspectives of those working in the youth justice system. This research explores how the concept of responsibility is
understood by YOT workers and how it shapes their practice. In this way, the subjective experiences of YOT practitioners can give meaning to what is meant by responsibilisation.

The thesis concludes that within youth justice practice, responsibilisation can be seen positively both as a morality of aspiration and as a narrative of dependent human relationships. No practitioner perceived it likely that most of their young people leave the service as fully responsibilised beings; but through building positive and supportive relationships with young people, they can awaken a nascent sense of agency. The thesis provides an insight into the private and subjective judgements made by YOT practitioners about the responsibilities (or otherwise) of the young people with whom they work, and the ways that such judgements can shape practice. It makes a contribution to knowledge by revealing something of the meaning of responsibilisation for those tasked with its implementation. In my conclusions I point to the need to reflect upon the realities of responsibilisation as it is experienced and practiced by YOT workers so that any future reforms to the system are informed.