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'It Is Not as Easy as ABC': Examining Practitioners' Views on Using Behavioural Contracts to Encourage Young People to Accept Responsibility for their Anti-Social Behaviour

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Kevin J Brown

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Abstract

This article examines the use of acceptable behavioural contracts as a tool for engendering the voluntary acceptance of responsibility in children and young people perceived to be engaging in anti-social behaviour and low-level criminality. Based on the results of a qualitative empirical analysis with local government and social housing anti-social behaviour teams, the article explores the attitudes of practitioners to the use of this unregulated but commonly utilised intervention. Practitioners' views are contrasted with the ideals of voluntary responsibilisation upon which the contracts are supposedly based. It is argued that there is a spectrum of differing approaches among practitioners, with some using the contracts more to encourage the voluntary acceptance of responsibility, whilst others use them more coercively to hold individuals responsible for their behaviour. The implications of these differing approaches are examined.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Brown KJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: The Journal of Criminal Law

Year: 2012

Volume: 76

Issue: 1

Pages: 53-70

Print publication date: 01/01/2012

ISSN (print): 0022-0183

ISSN (electronic): 1740-5580

Publisher: Vathek Publishing

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1350/jcla.2012.76.1.750

DOI: 10.1350/jcla.2012.76.1.750

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