City Research Online

Abstract

Purpose – This paper explores the experiences of a sample of mental health clinicians (MHCs) who understood the process and experience of ‘doing mental health work’ within youth justice services (YJS), with a specific interest in their knowledge of the organisational environment and how this interacts with their clinical work.

Design/Methodology/Approach – Twelve mental health clinicians from mixed professional backgrounds were purposefully sampled from various youth justice services across the UK. Participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews, and the data were analysed using the constructivist grounded theory method (CGTM).

Findings – A conceptual model was co-constructed of Managing Your Flexibility and is explained across four categories: - Organisational Life, Adapted Clinical Practice, Moderating Relational Factors, and Moderating Individual Factors. A further twelve subcategories were defined. The model emphasises how MHCs adapted their practice, requiring specialist skills and experience, viewing ‘relational practice’ as central to their successful positioning within the teams and their work. The tasks of consultation and systemic thinking are viewed as instructive in alleviating the more harmful aspects of organisational life, contributing to collective resilience.

Originality/Value – This is the first paper to explore this experience within this context using CGTM. The study contributes to the broader debate questioning whether forensic settings are principally counter-therapeutic and whether competing agendas and the paradoxical nature of ‘welfare versus offending’ are compatible

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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