The Development of a DVD for Young Offenders

Wendy Macdonald

• Background• Needs of young offenders• Qualitative study• Changing Times DVD

Levels of need• Chitsabesan et al., 2006• 48% needs with peer and family

relationshiops• 36% educational or work needs• 35% needs relation to violence to people

and property

• 31% mental health need• 29% need because of risky behaviour• 20% IQ below 70• 30% assessed as borderline learning

disability

• Community vs Custody• Significantly more needs

– Education– Risky behaviour– Relationships– Alcohol and drug misuse

• Between groups– Female offenders

• Significant difference mental health – depression, self-harm and post-traumatic stress

• Lack of research on physical health • Adolescents generally value:

– Confidentiality, trust, and flexible service

• Marcell & Helpern-Felsher (2005) • Health beliefs and intention to seek help• GP most effective, trustworthy, and

confident in physical health• Significantly less depression and sex

scenarios

• Context - high levels of need • Poor detection of needs • Services struggling to meet demand • Prison Service funded a qualitative study

to inform the development of a DVD capturing the views of young people in custody about health issues and their experiences of coping whilst in custody

• 28 Young Offenders• 4 YOIs and 2 secure local authority

children’s homes• 23 males• 5 females • Interviews 30-45 minutes• Constant comparison method of analysis

• Interviews– Physical health– Mental health – Sexual health– Drugs and alcohol– Hopes and plans for the future

• Themes– Physical health

• Diet, exercise– Sexual health

• Parenting – Drugs and alcohol– Mental health and illness– Coping strategies

• Communication, activities, exercise, positive thinking, relationships, anger management

– Standards in health care