My PhD will have the primary focus on revealing how local multi-agency partnerships are approaching joint planning for the resettlement of young people leaving the secure estate. The research is interested in the ways that various models of coordination are initiated by relevant statutory and voluntary agencies to set up support prior to release, and how these strategies enhance or impede a positive transition back into the community.

For my Research Masters (MSc), I am currently conducting a series of qualitative case studies into Youth Offending Teams in South Wales. Due to their local partnership model, the research is interested in gaining the perspectives of front-line and senior staff to find out what is working well locally, whilst also gaining insight into some of the obstacles and challenges. The intention is to explore the effectiveness of joint working and how resources are being shared at a local level and across authorities. I am particularly interested in how partnerships view themselves in relational terms, and the extent to which this is influenced by current funding arrangements. I also intend to explore the extent to which young people are involved in planning and decision making – and how policy translates into practice.