Social Work Influence on Juvenile Court Disposals

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Abstract
A study was made of the contents of 120 social enquiry reports written by social workers in relation to a sample of 50 juvenile offenders. The criterion for inclusion in the sample was that the offender was subject to a supervision order made during 1977, in one social services department. The analysis of the contents of the reports indicated that the social workers, with their own individual differences of emphasis, adhered closely to the intended welfare values of the 1969 Act; they worked for, with and on behalf of the offenders and their families; their recommendations, particularly when argued with conviction, were listened to and acted upon by the magistrates. It appeared that there might be significant decision points in the career of a juvenile offender: the first court appearance, when either a welfare measure or deterrent measure might be used; and the later stage where a boy of 14+ years faced the court following a number of convictions and the failure of previous measures. At both points it seemed to be the social worker recommendation which was influential, and which could therefore have a significant effect on the direction of a child's future.

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