Effective Ways of Working with Justice-Involved Youth: Perspectives from Community-Based Professionals

Youth in Canada’s justice system are often diverted to community programs. Several youth-serving professionals have shared how they work with youth, yet research with community-based professionals is sparse. We explore community-based professionals’ perspectives on their work with youth. Semi-structured interviews with five staff at a Boys and Girls Club in Ontario, Canada were analyzed utilizing reflexive thematic analysis. Several strategies were revealed, these included: individualized services, being a supportive adult, collaborating with youth, and collaborating with the community. Participants strategies align with multiple professions, yet most similarly resemble those used by probation. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.