All of us would benefit from such a lead, in that it would influence our own deliberations and possibly cajole the media into a more sensible analysis.
Right now, we find ourselves in a climate of fury about the "yobs" on our streets. The Director of Public Prosecutions has appointed specialist prosecutors to pursue the antisocial behaviour agenda, yet when asked on the radio to define a "yob", he felt unable to do so. The list of behaviour defined elsewhere as antisocial is an eclectic and convenient mix, ranging from many activities that are patently criminal through to things that, fundamentally, are typically social as far as young people, if not others, are concerned.
At the same time, there is a debate around the appointment of the children's commissioner for England and the powers that should be held by commissioners in each of the constituent parts of the UK. All of this is framed by preoccupations with the rights of children and young people and ideas around citizenship.
It is easy to conclude that these two agendas are running on parallel tracks, or that they are on a collision course. In fact, they need to be brought together within a constructive debate. The vast majority of young people are neither devils nor angels. They are both resources to be managed and problems to be solved. More disadvantaged young people, in particular, are often both troublesome and troubled. Even less disadvantaged young people are not usually devoid of "nuisance" tendencies.
So, if we subscribe to this more balanced, and well evidenced, assessment of young people, then logically we need to ensure a more balanced policy response. The metaphor of iron fists and velvet gloves comes to mind, and we see this already in relation to antisocial behaviour orders, into which individual support plans are now to be fitted. The young people in question are likely to be tough cookies who will not be turned around overnight.
In consultation with the police, housing authorities and other agencies, youth work will need to reach out to them. This will require skilled practitioners, resources to make appropriate provision and some patience. It would be even better if such activities could be put in place to pre-empt the need to issue antisocial behaviour orders, but I acknowledge that it may have to be done in harness with them. What is clear, however, is that without such more "opportunity-focused" provision, the "problem-oriented" approach that currently prevails will drive the young people in question even further to the margins.
