Research

A world leader in youth-informed and youth-led research that positively influences the lives of children and young people

At the Centre for Crime and Youth Justice Research, our research explores the lives, voices, and experiences of children and young people across diverse contexts. We work collaboratively with communities, practitioners, and policymakers to generate insights that inform practice and shape fairer, more effective responses to the challenges young people face. Our projects span youth justice, education, health, social care, and community settings — all grounded in a commitment to co-production, inclusivity, and social change. Through innovative, interdisciplinary research, we aim to influence policy, challenge inequality, and amplify the perspectives of young people themselves.

Research Projects

Illustration of a boy behind bars in a cartoon style, representing themes of restriction and yearning for escape.

Evaluation of the Greater Manchester Remand Pilot

Exploring strategies to reduce unnecessary custodial remand and improve outcomes for children

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My Voice Matters in Research

Empowering young people to influence mental health research through creative and participatory methods

Knowledge Transfer Partnership – Child Centred Justice

Supporting more child-centred approaches to youth justice across Greater Manchester

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Assessing Public Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder in Bangladesh

Researching public awareness of Developmental Language Disorder and neurodevelopmental disabilities in Bangladesh

Evaluation of the GM Navigators Custody Pilot

Exploring the impact of trauma-informed youth workers in Greater Manchester custody suites

Graph illustrating racial disparities in youth justice system, highlighting disproportionality among young offenders.

Exploring Racial Disparity in Diversion From the Youth Justice System

Examining racial disparities in youth justice outcomes and diversion practices

Justice for Children with SEND and Neurodivergence

Investigating reforms to better support neurodivergent children within the youth justice system

Towards Participatory Justice: Aligning Child First Principles with Risk Management and Community Safety

Exploring child-centred and participatory approaches to decision-making in youth justice

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Evaluation of the YouthPrint Model in County Durham

Researching how the YouthPrint model strengthens youth work and community support networks

A project scene displaying sketches, tools, and team members engaged in brainstorming and planning activities.

Young People’s Views about Hotspot Policing

Investigating trust, policing, and community experiences through young people’s perspectives

Evaluation of the Greater Manchester Oasis Navigators Custody Pilot

Exploring early intervention and support for young people within police custody settings

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‘Race’, Disproportionality and Diversion from the YJS

Researching racial disparities in youth justice decision-making and diversion outcomes

Greater Manchester VRU: Engaging Children and Young People in the 10-Year Reducing Violence Strategy

Researching how young people’s voices can shape long-term violence reduction strategies

Illustration of community-based services for youth, showcasing the importance of their implementation and delivery roles.

Delivering Community Resolutions: the Role of Youth Offending Services

Exploring the role of youth offending services in delivering Community Resolutions across England and Wales

Image illustrating youth justice under lockdown, focusing on the effects of confinement on rehabilitation and support services.

COVID-19 and Youth Justice

Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on children and young people within the youth justice system

Serious Youth Violence

Exploring the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and serious youth violence

Young Manchester Evaluation

Researching youth-led and participatory approaches to evaluating youth and play initiatives

Kicking Crime into Touch

Researching the impact of sport and mentorship on young people within the youth justice system

Two boys are bending over a pond, picking colorful flowers from the water's edge.

Children in Bangladesh

Exploring children’s well-being and life satisfaction through a large-scale survey in Bangladesh

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Youth Justice Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)

Exploring participatory and child-centred approaches to youth justice practice in Greater Manchester

Three women sitting together at a table, with a microphone set up for their discussion or presentation.

Getting Out for Good

Researching community-based approaches to reducing gang influence and serious youth violence among young women

A diverse group of people seated at a table, including a woman in a wheelchair engaged in conversation.

South Asian Research Network for Childhood and Youth Studies

Exploring collaborative approaches to improving child wellbeing policies across South Asia

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UrBEn-ID Project

Exploring how young people use language and identity in urban Manchester communities

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Young People’s Engagement with Substance Use Treatment Services

Examining barriers and effectiveness of youth substance use treatment services in Manchester

A young man leans against a wooden fence, holding a bottle in his right hand.

Youth Justice Board Re-Settlement Consortium Evaluation

Exploring evidence-based approaches to supporting young people’s reintegration after custody

Group of young people seated next to a graffiti-covered wall.

SEND Project

Developing better support pathways for young people with SEND involved in youth justice services

A smiling young man with dreadlocks stands on a bustling city street, surrounded by urban scenery.

Young Voices: The Active Engagement of Young People

Supporting innovative ways for researchers and organisations to collaborate with young people

Infographic showing how involving young people in research leads to better services, improved support, and positive long-term outcomes like confidence, mental health, and opportunities.

My Voice Matters in Research

The My Voice Matters in Research project aimed to make…

Knowledge Transfer Partnership – Child Centred Justice

This Groundbreaking Knowledge Transfer Partnership will create a Child Centred…

Bangladesh flag featuring a green field with a red circle in the center.

Assessing Public Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder in Bangladesh

A hidden disorder in plain sight—bringing Developmental Language Disorder into…

Evaluation of the GM Navigators Custody Pilot.

The Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit funded CCYJR to carry out…

Exploring racial disparity in diversion from the youth justice system

Research project finds racial disparities in youth justice decision making…

Justice for children with SEND & neurodivergence

CCYJR member Anne-Marie Day joined a working group of Parliamentarians,…

A group of women engaged in discussion around a conference table, collaborating on a project.

Towards Participatory Justice: Aligning Child First Principles with Risk Management and Community Safety in Multi-Agency High-Risk Panels

This project is co-producing child-centred, participatory approaches to multi-agency decision-making…

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