The experience of young people transitioning between youth offending services to probation services

Abstract

This article explores the experience of transitioning from youth offending services to adult probation services upon turning age 18 years while incarcerated. The significant differences in the level of provision have been described as a ‘cliff-edge’ (Transition to Adulthood Alliance (2009). Drawing upon interviews with young people held in institutions, stakeholders, and survey data from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons, it is argued that the drop in support is exacerbated by poor communication between institutions and services which has harmful implications for young people during this crucial period of developmental maturity and beyond custody.