Children and young peoples’ lyrics and voices capturing their experiences within Youth Justice Services

Abstract

This research explored the perceptions of young people within two Youth Justice Services (YJS) during the covid-19 pandemic, captured using arts-based methods: lyric writing with an artist. This approach allowed participants to lead and voice their experiences in a more creative and participatory way than traditional methods. Through their lyrics, the young people articulated their perceptions of self which differed from how they felt others saw them. The value of relationships with practitioners and those outside the service were also explored. The benefits of the methods, to participants pro-social identity, and how they might be further employed across YJS are also discussed.