A qualitative study focusing on the professional perspective in relation to the psycho-social factors leading youngsters raised in out-of-home care residences to deviant behaviour

Abstract

This qualitative research explores the lived experience of twelve professionals working within the Department of Parole and Probation, Aġenzija Appoġġ, and the Directorate for Educational Services. Even though the professionals work within different departments and practise different professions, their line of work puts them as front liners with minors at risk of deviant behaviour. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of semi-structured interviews generated four super-ordinate themes which explored the reality of delinquency amongst youngsters raised in out-of-home care residences through the perceptions of professionals working as front liners with these youngsters. In relation to criminology, results highlight the psychosocial factors present from conception till young adulthood, which led such youngsters to perpetrate delinquencies. Furthermore, this research factors in possible solutions, in order to be able to improve identified lacunae in the services supporting these individuals until they become adults. The identification of these factors suggests the need to effect legislative changes; and to inform policy makers especially at a local level. Recommendations for further research were also proposed.