Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements and Youth Justice

The publication of a book focusing on multi-agency public protection arrangements (Mappa) and youth justice feels very timely. It is particularly pertinent given the recent high-profile case of Dano Sonnex and Nigel Farmer, who were convicted of murdering two French students, and the role Mappa played - or didn't - in their supervision. Having said that, the ongoing focus on the risk management of young people means the topics covered here would have seemed timely at any point over the past 20 years.

The book uses the debate on whether Mappa arrangements should apply to young people as a catalyst for discussion of a broad range of topics related to risk and its management. These include the concept of Mappa itself, how children's rights relate to it and the balance of safeguarding in youth justice. The authors also point to the lack of young people's involvement in any of the research into Mappa. These discussions make what could have been a one-track study into an interesting read.

As someone employed by a charity working with young people, I would endorse the recognition here that things within this age group change rapidly. As a result, trying to fit young people into adult structures can be both problematic and damaging. Our experience also shows that moving young people from the youth justice system to adult services also throws up issues. The move is not driven by young people's needs or readiness, and it can mean breaking up good working relationships and a loss of access to services that have helped manage risk and support change. - Tom Sackville, assistant director of delivery development and national programmes, Catch 22

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