The University of Limerick (Ireland) has recently published the final report of its 'Better Together' study, which show that the positive relationships based on trust between youth justice practitioners and young people can help to reduce youth crime. The investigation has been carried out over the course of three years in 16 Youth Diversion Projects in Ireland.
The report shows key factors in this type of relationship between practitioners and young people: creating an environment of security and trust, devoting time to building the personal connection and always keeping the focus oriented around the needs of the child or adolescent. The results highlight six positive, tangible changes in the young people: an increase of trust in others, development of optimism and sense of opportunity, improvement in the management of their own interpersonal relationships, better ability to face the challenges of daily life, increased maturity and better decision-making, and a notable strengthening of self-esteem and self-confidence.
The study also outlines six essential characteristics and practices of the youth justice practitioners most adept at creating this type of relationship: being fully committed to the process; empathetic communication; establishing meaningful connections and advocating on behalf of the child or adolescent; maintaining flexibility in the face of changing circumstances; using their own experiences to establish a connection; showing honesty and suggesting challenges that the young person can face constructively; and guiding looking to inspire and encourage a sense of personal agency. The study has also produced other materials for Ireland´s National Network of Youth Diversion Projects, including a detailed methodological guide, an illustrated poster with demonstrations of the relational process and a podcast series that collects the testimonies of Practitioners and young people.