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
Evaluation of the Greater Manchester Remand Pilot
Exploring strategies to reduce unnecessary custodial remand and improve outcomes for children
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
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
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
Evaluation of the YouthPrint Model in County Durham
Researching how the YouthPrint model strengthens youth work and community support networks
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
‘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
Delivering Community Resolutions: the Role of Youth Offending Services
Exploring the role of youth offending services in delivering Community Resolutions across England and Wales
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
Children in Bangladesh
Exploring children’s well-being and life satisfaction through a large-scale survey in Bangladesh
Youth Justice Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)
Exploring participatory and child-centred approaches to youth justice practice in Greater Manchester
Getting Out for Good
Researching community-based approaches to reducing gang influence and serious youth violence among young women
South Asian Research Network for Childhood and Youth Studies
Exploring collaborative approaches to improving child wellbeing policies across South Asia
UrBEn-ID Project
Exploring how young people use language and identity in urban Manchester communities
Young People’s Engagement with Substance Use Treatment Services
Examining barriers and effectiveness of youth substance use treatment services in Manchester
Youth Justice Board Re-Settlement Consortium Evaluation
Exploring evidence-based approaches to supporting young people’s reintegration after custody
SEND Project
Developing better support pathways for young people with SEND involved in youth justice services
Young Voices: The Active Engagement of Young People
Supporting innovative ways for researchers and organisations to collaborate with young people
SEND Project
Supporting youth offending teams, the youth secure estate and local…
Young Voices: The Active Engagement of Young People
On Thursday 25th June 2015, MCYS held a daylong method-based workshop,…
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