Young people at risk of offending: their views on a specialist mental health service in south east London.

This article explores the views of young people regarding their involvement with a specialist mental health service for adolescents who offend or are at risk of offending. The main aims are to shed light on means of engaging this group in therapeutic work, and to illustrate the use of qualitative techniques in the evaluation of health services. Twenty clients and ex-clients were interviewed using a semistructured schedule. Responses were analysed using a thematic indexing technique. Findings show that the majority felt the service had helped them to some extent, despite initial resistance to referral. Five factors which helped practitioners overcome this resistance were identified: (1) A manner which demonstrates respect and commitment; (2) being able to operate flexibly and offer outreach appointments; (3) clinical effectiveness; (4) making therapeutic sessions seem personally relevant; and (5) explaining clearly the role of the service. Attention should be paid to these areas if mental health services are to support this challenging client group.