This book explores the development and implementation of Child First as an innovative guiding
principle for improving youth justice systems. Applying contemporary research understandings of
what leads to positive child outcomes and safer communities Child First challenges traditional
risk-led and stigmatising approaches to working with children in trouble. It has now been
adopted as the four-point guiding principle for all policy and practice across the youth
justice system in England and Wales it is becoming a key reform principle for youth justice in
Northern Ireland and it is increasingly influential across several western jurisdictions. With
contributions from academics policymakers and practitioners this book critically charts the
progress and challenges in establishing a progressive evidence-led youth justice system. Its
dynamic and accessible integration of theory research policy and practice alongside
discussion of critical themes makes it a key read for students on youth crime justice modules
and for a wider market. Stephen Case is Professor of Youth Justice in the Criminology
Sociology and Social Policy division at Loughborough University UK. Neal Hazel is Professor of
Criminology and Criminal Justice in the School of Health and Society at the University of
Salford UK.
