Assessment in youth justice

'Overall, the book is highly informative on both a theoretical and a practical level. It will be a real resource for social work students undertaking practice learning in youth offending teams and to social work practitioners who are contemplating moving into youth justice. All in all, this proved a thoroughly enjoyable read; it is a welcome addition to the literature on assessment in general and assessment in youth justice in particular.' British Journal of Social Work

'This book is an important contribution to the fields of both social work and

criminology.' British Journal of Social Work

"Very useful in encouraging students to make links between risk factor research and risk assessment and management in youth justice" Faye Cosgrove, Sunderland University

"A must read" - Howard Journal of Criminal Justice

"This book could not be more timely. It will be of great value to practitioners, managers, policy makers and academics. For anyone with responsibilities for working with young people involved in offending to improve assessment, planning, management and supervision in the interests of young people and the community, this book is essential reading." Bill Whyte, University of Edinburgh

"This is an important and timely book. With its emphasis upon knowledge, skills and decision making it is a refreshing antidote to the promulgation of risk assessment tools. Skills are rightly prioritised over tool use, and this will be a 'must read' for youth justice practitioners and managers." Hazel Kemshall, Professor of Community and Criminal Justice, De Montfort University.

Kerry Baker is based at the Centre for Criminology, University of Oxford, specialising in applied research on assessment practice, risk management and public protection. She is also an advisor to the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales. Gill Kelly and Bernadette Wilkinson are independent trainers working with practitioners and managers in youth justice, probation services and the secure estate. They run KWP Consultancy and are both Associate Lecturers at Birmingham University.

Introduction; Part One: Professional practice in assessment and intervention planning: Essential foundations of assessment practice; Judgements and decision making; The knowledge base; Part Two: Tools and processes: Using assessment tools; Planning interventions; Reports; Communication and working with other agencies; Part Three: Skills and practice development: Skills in assessment; Developing assessment practice; Conclusion; Appendix: Assessment tools - additional references.