Roundtable: Models of reform for youth justice systems

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Abstract

Established juvenile justice systems around the world have been subject to high levels of criticism from criminologists. In particular, punitive neo-liberal models of youth justice across western jurisdictions have been shown to label, responsibilise, and damage children. This roundtable asks how we can develop more evidence-based and progressive models for youth justice capable of reforming systems globally within different political contexts. In particular, we debate the international potential and limitations of two models for progressive reform - one more established (children’s rights) and one emerging (‘Child First’). This international roundtable convenes short presentations from proponents of these and alternative models for reform, and invites the engagement of all conference delegates wanting to promote progressive youth justice in their countries.

Subtopic

• Topic 5: Social Control and Criminal Justice / Juvenile Justice and Children’s Rights

Chair

• Neal Hazel, University of Salford, UK

Discussants

• Stephen Case, Loughborough University, UK

• Ursula Kilkelly, University College Cork

• Kathy Hampson, Aberystwyth University

• Stefaan Pleysier, LINC, KU Leuven