Summary of risk factors and learning for improved practice around working with adolescents
Published case reviews highlight that professionals sometimes struggle to work with challenging and difficult teenagers. They are often viewed as independent young people, capable of looking after themselves and able to make their own choices and decisions. This means professional intervention focuses too often on tackling problem behaviour, rather than recognising that they are children in need of protection.
The learning from these reviews highlights that professionals need to listen to teenagers, but also be able to balance the young person’s wishes with their best interests. Intervention needs to be timely and appropriate.
Published: March 2014