Fritidsledares förebyggande arbete med barn i riskzon för kriminalitet : En kvalitativ studie om det praktiska arbetet att förebygga kriminalitet hos barn och unga

Sammanfattning

This qualitative study aims to examine youth workers preventive work in socioeconomic disadvantaged areas and to gain a deeper understanding of their professional role, with a focus on collaboration and challenges. The target group consist of youth workers that work with children and young people aged 12-20 living in a disadvantaged area. To answer the research questions, the interviews were conducted with five youth workers, three of whom worked at a youth center and two within a mobile youth outreach service. System theory and sociocultural theory were used as analytical frames. The findings show that trusting and respectful relationships constitute fundamental prerequisite in preventive work with children and young people. Youth centers can be viewed as arenas where young people are provided with opportunities for social interaction, meaningful leisure activities and increased participation. SSPF, a collaboration model between school, social services, the police and youth services, emerged as a central tool for counteracting and preventing youth crime. At the same time, the findings indicate the confidentiality regulations may affect the exchange of information between collaborating actors. The results also show that preventive work is complicated by limited resources, wide age ranges within youth centers, and the board and highly accessible nature of assignment. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of youth workers in preventive work with young people at risk of criminal involvement, while also highlighting the challenges and opportunities that characterize this work.