Youth Justice Services: Relationships, Rehabilitation and the Reality of the Young People Involved-A Meta-synthesis of the Qualitative Literature.

Rehabilitative approaches to working with young people in the youth justice system have been identified as effective in reducing recidivism, with the centrality of relationships being core to these approaches. There is a limited evidence base exploring young people's experience of professional relationships within youth justice systems. This review aims to explore young peoples' experience of relationships with professionals within youth justice services and understand what is important to their engagement. Five databases were systematically searched for relevant peer-reviewed qualitative and mixed-method journal articles. Seven papers were included in this review. Data were analysed using a meta-synthesis approach. PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines were followed. Analyses yielded four themes: Feeling valued and finding worth in the system; The reciprocal nature of understanding and respect; nobody trying to help and no one to try for; and the importance of having one good person. The importance of the relationships between youth justice professionals and young people are discussed. Limitations and implications for research, practice and policy are also discussed.