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Our (youth) justice systems are not laws of nature. What is considered ‘criminal behavior’ and appropriate responses to this behavior varies over time and place. Justice systems are grounded in societal norms and values, and are subject to socio-political, economic and scientific drivers of change. This dissertation reflects on reforms initiated in 2015 within the Dutch youth justice system. In light of these reforms three pilot facilities were set up to develop an alternative model for youth facilities: small-scale, community-embedded facilities, with an emphasis on relational security. This dissertation is based on a comprehensive three-year evaluation (from the end of 2016 to 2019) of these facilities. The overall objectives of this dissertation were to (1) examine the feasibility and potential efficacy of the small-scale community-embedded model on the spectrum of youth justice interventions, and (2) to explore how relational security, as the core of the security framework, can promote a safe and therapeutic environment. Chapter 2 provides an overview of the small-scale community-embedded facilities by outlining the key operational elements and conditions for implementation. Chapter 3 provides an insight into the factors related to successful placements in these facilities; and the factors related to premature termination of placement and transfer to a youth justice facility with higher levels of physical and procedural security. This is based on the perspectives of professionals involved in the screening process, young people placed in the facility and their parents. Chapter 4 explores how relational security is conceptualized in the facilities and how it contributes to safety. To do so, the perspective and experiences of unit staff and management, and young people and their parents are considered. Chapter 5 examines the conditions that are conducive to effective relational security. It is investigated how relational security, as the core of the security framew

Background: Estimates suggest that over a million children per year are deprived of their liberty across the world. Little is known about the types, ethos or distribution of secure beds in which they are detained. Aim: This study aims to provide quantitative data with background information, to explore similarities and differences across jurisdictions, and to inform critical inquiry into key concepts and practices. Methods: Data was obtained using an opportunistic sample of affluent countries, derived from an emerging academic/practice network of senior professionals. Depending on jurisdiction, data was already in the public domain or specifically requested. Data requests were related to the nature and size of health, welfare and criminal justice elements of secure beds and recent occupancy. Key professionals working in child secure settings, within jurisdictions, provided commentary on local approaches. Results: Data was incomplete but allowed for comparisons between 10 jurisdictions. The proportions of the populations of children and young people detained varied by jurisdiction as did their distribution across variations of secure settings. Not all jurisdictions had all three kinds of secure settings. Definitions of secure beds varied depending on the use of relational, procedural or physical security. Conclusion: Findings are tentative but suggestion solely considering numerical descriptions of children's detention is misleading; our study highlights ways in which comparative studies may be improved. Within reported jurisdictions, the framework of health, welfare and justice was meaningful but this may not hold true with a wider international application of this method. Open interrogation of this data would be enhanced by the inclusion of children's perspectives.