Working with Young People in Secure Accommodation - Practical

In this review of Working with Young People in Secure Accommodation, the bottom line is clear: this updated edition by Jim Rose is an essential, practice-focused resource for professionals who work with detained children and young people. It offers a balanced historical perspective and timely discussion of policy and practice changes, making it particularly useful for frontline staff, managers and trainees seeking a framework to think through complex custody issues. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its combination of theoretical frameworks and practical reflection on modern developments such as detention in police custody and immigration-related cases.

Key Features

• Updated content: The new edition reflects recent changes in policy and practice so readers get current context for work in the secure estate.
• Historical perspective: Presents a clear historical account that helps practitioners understand how past approaches shape present systems and attitudes.
• Theoretical framework: Uses ideas and theories to help staff think critically about interventions and day-to-day decisions in custody settings.
• Coverage of new issues: Includes specific discussion of detention where immigration and removal are being determined, expanding relevance for social care and legal contexts.
• Police custody focus: Addresses the detention of children in police custody, offering insights for those liaising with law enforcement and custody suites.

Who It's For

Working with Young People in Secure Accommodation is aimed primarily at professionals in youth justice, social work, custodial staff and managers who need a concise, theory-informed resource on detained children. Trainees and students on courses in criminology, social care and youth work will also find the book useful as an introduction to core debates and practice challenges.

Those looking for a step-by-step practitioner's manual with operational checklists or a specialist legal handbook on immigration case law should look elsewhere; this book is strongest as informed commentary and reflective framework rather than detailed procedural guidance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a timely, updated overview that links historical trends to current youth justice practice.
• Useful theoretical frameworks help staff reflect on decision making in secure settings.
• Broader coverage of issues such as police custody and immigration-related detention increases relevance for multi-agency work.

Cons

• Not a procedural manual, so readers seeking operational checklists and forms will need supplementary resources.

Specifications

Title	Working with Young People in Secure Accommodation
Author	Jim Rose
Edition	New edition with updated material
Subject areas	Youth justice, secure estate, detention policy
New coverage	Detention in police custody; immigration and removal cases
Approach	Historical perspective and theoretical frameworks for practice

Our Verdict

For practitioners and students who need a thoughtful, up-to-date account of young people in custody, this edition by Jim Rose is good value: it combines historical context with practical, theory-informed discussion of new issues such as police and immigration detention. Buy it as a reflective companion to procedural guides and agency manuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include recent policy changes?
Yes. The author has updated original content to reflect recent changes in policy and practice affecting the secure estate.

Is this a step-by-step practice manual?
No. The book offers frameworks and discussion rather than operational checklists, so use it alongside practitioner guides for day-to-day procedures.

Does it cover immigration-related detention of children?
Yes. New material considers issues for children and families detained while immigration and removal matters are determined.