Reaching the ‘Hardest to Reach’

Abstract

Services can play a vital role in promoting desistance from offending for those leaving prison. However, young men are the least likely group to engage with or sustain contact with support, and the most likely to return to prison. This article presents findings from a longitudinal evaluation in Scotland which highlights the often unreported wary attitude that this population have towards services, but also the ways in which this can be overcome. Ultimately, it is argued that a youth work– and solution-focused approach can be successful, and above all else the key worker’s persistence in building relationships crucial.