This paper draws on a Scottish study of young people persistent in their offending to examine recent policy developments aimed at improving the effectiveness of response to youth crime. Developments include: the establishment of national objectives and standards for youth justice; provision of specialist social work and multi-disciplinary youth justice teams; piloting specially resourced fast track hearings; and re-establishing a youth court in Scotland for the first time since 1971. Developments which include proposals to introduce electronic monitoring and community service for those under 16 may be the beginning of a shift away from the traditional and long standing adherence to welfare principles in dealing with young offenders in Scotland.
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