Youth Justice

Roger Smith is Professor of Social Work at the University of Durham. As a practitioner, Roger worked as a Probation Officer, specialising in diversion with young offenders. He then spent some years as Head of Policy with The Children’s Society, arguing the case for children’s rights in youth justice. He has also taught at the University of Leicester, and at De Montfort University he was Professor of Social Work Research. Roger is also the author of Doing Justice to Young People: Youth Crime and Social Justice (Willan/Routledge 2011).

‘A book that has stood the test of time. Roger Smith leads the reader through the complex history, theory and practice of youth justice with an expert’s eye and a teacher’s skill. First-rate and a must for all students studying this field.’Professor Tim Newburn, London School of Economics, UK‘Fully updated, comprehensive in its coverage, detailed and research-focused in its content and infused with the author's insightful explanations, this is, in many ways, a new book, which is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand contemporary youth justice.’Kevin Haines, Professor of Criminology and Youth Justice, Swansea University, UK‘The third edition of Youth Justice: Ideas, Policy, Practice provides an authoritative, comprehensive and completely up-to-date critical insight into the fast-moving world of youth justice. Smith’s book is an invaluable resource for students and tutors alike. A "must-read".’ Professor Barry Goldson, Charles Booth Chair of Social Science, The University of Liverpool, UK'Roger Smith’s third edition to his seminal text provides an essential and timely update to the contemporary youth justice system which will be welcomed by students and practitioners alike. His prior experience of direct work with children and young people in conflict with the law lends significant credence to his writing, as does his sensitivity to the provision of appropriate, child-centred justice. It is unfortunate that reform within youth justice has been singled out as the most overlooked and marginalized issue within the children’s rights movement. However, constructive modification is potentially something that can be achieved in a number of ways. Roger Smith rises to this challenge and policy-makers would be hard-pressed not to take note.'Vicky Palmer, Senior Lecturer in Youth Justice and Youth Studies at Nottingham Trent University, UK'This revised and updated edition of Roger Smith’s highly successful book is to be welcomed by all involved in the teaching and learning about the youth justice system in this country. Drawing on extensive knowledge of the workings of the system as well as the ways in which it is shaped and manipulated by political and populist imperatives, Smith has provided an invaluable resource for students at all levels.'Pauline Ashworth, Teaching Fellow in Social Work at University of York, UK

• Introduction 1. Contrasts and Continuities: Youth Justice in the 1980s/1990s 2. The New Labour Experiment 3. Coming full circle? 4. Where are we now? 5. Inside the Machine 6. Making it Happen 7. Theorizing Youth Justice 8. Measures of success and failure in youth justice 9. The Consumer View 10. Making sense of it all: the future of youth justice