Family and social contexts of adolescent re-offenders

Drawn from a representative sample, 74 young people (15–16-years-old on average) who were being arrested frequently by the police (“re-offenders”) were traced and interviewed wherever they were living about aspects of their family and social lives. Interview data revealed high levels of family disruption and a wide variety of current and past living circumstances. Interviewees reported good relationships with their mothers and strong social ties with friends and peers. Few were involved in any constructive day to day activities, a third claiming to be unemployed and most doing nothing. Drug and alcohol use were widespread and heavy, and there was evidence of many attempts to get help for a variety of problems—half had had some sort of psychological intervention or counselling arranged for them—and distress, general stresses and lack of support were not uncommon. Intervention and policy impli?cations are discussed.