Introduction

This chapter focuses on why there may be practical difficulties for Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) and those running Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) to work alongside one another, stemming from both historical trends and differing occupational cultures. This is not to say that all YOTs have problems working within the MAPPA framework; anecdotally we know that many YOTs operate very successfully in this area.However, the impression gathered from YOTs that took part in a recent research project (hereafter termed the Oxford MAPPA study) and reports from participants in a subsequent symposium was that this relationship can be problematic, and setting out some possible reasons for this forms the basis of this chapter.

The first part of this chapter outlines the Oxford MAPPA study, presenting the main findings and discussing some of the limitations of the research. Following on from this, the second part of the chapter presents a brief history of YOTs and MAPPA, drawn from available research and guidance. This section goes on to present a number of possible explanations for difficulties in YOT–MAPPA engagement. Recommendations from the Oxford MAPPA study are presented, with an emphasis on why these were made and what they hoped to accomplish, alongside a realisation that more thought needs to be given to issues beyond simply the process and administration of risk management in this context. The conclusion underlines the need for YOTs to be involved with MAPPA, on the basis that their absence means a body of knowledge about young people will be missing from the process.

The Oxford MAPPA study

Study methodology and aims

Early delays and difficulties in the study meant that gaining basic information was problematic and that the original (and broader) aims had to be revised. As a result, the study sought to:

• • record how many young people were subject to MAPPA in England and Wales;

• • explore what constitutes ‘best practice’ in YOT–MAPPA relations; and

• • examine how local practice in YOTs varies from national guidance.