Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Seite 86

Social Work with Young People

Dear Students of Social Work,
A common topic in social policy and social work practice is the treatment of
offences by young people. The treatment ranges along a continuum and is
shaped by philosophies about human nature and risk taking. These, together
with understandings about adolescent development, often interplay to shape
the policy and practice in providing services to young persons who get into
trouble with the law. In some situations the pressures from society and local
communities about how offences by young people should be addressed may
even override the research and understanding of adolescence associated
behaviour.
While public opinion varies regarding the extent of giving young people
more room for experimentation, most would expect that those who offend
must be punished. Most countries vary in how young people are treated and
where they draw the line for treating a young person as an adult. In the US, for
example, it is most unfortunate that states such as North Carolina prosecute
all youth as adults at age 16, regardless of the severity of the crime. While the
severity of a crime is a key determination of the treatment, it is also necessary
to realise that the circumstances that some young people live in make it hard
for them to respond with non-violence. Some live in disadvantaged and
depressed environments that can precipitate their getting into the justice
system early, causing a downward spiral that makes effective intervention
difficult.
Furthermore, mental health issues and the use of drugs could also go
undetected and untreated. It is therefore not uncommon for both institutions
and young people to eventually respond using violence not as a last resort but
as a form of control. Adults use violence as a means to control the adolescent
population and punish disorderly or disrespectful behaviour. Control hence
takes precedence over rehabilitation, support, connections and mentors.
Fortunately, in countries such as Singapore where attendance in school is of
high priority and students are monitored, early detection of mental health
related issues is far easier than in countries where attendance in school is of
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