Responding to youth gangs in England: a public health model?. Issue 2 (15th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pitts, John
• Is Part Of: Journal of children's services. Volume 14:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 124
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 2019-07-15
• Subjects: Children -- Public health; Child care services -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Social work with children -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Child care services -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; Social work with children -- Periodicals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1108/JCS-02-2019-0010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-6660

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to consider youth gangs and county lines with reference to the current drive for a public health response to these issues. Design/methodology/approach: This viewpoint paper traces the development of gang and serious youth violence responses in England, exploring the shift from a punitive to safeguarding response to young people affected by these issues. Findings: Drawing on the learning from both Scotland and the USA, this paper considers the relevance of a public health model to responding to youth gangs and county lines, highlighting the key facets of such an approach. Originality/value: This paper provides a historical context to the issues surrounding previous responses to youth gangs and goes on to consider the practicalities and relevance of a public health model response.