Summary
The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) is seeking a team to conduct a review of practice on the extent to which the mental health and neurodevelopmental needs of children in the youth justice system are being met. Within this, we are interested in the extent to which children in the youth justice system have their needs identified, and receive appropriate, timely support. We are particularly interested in the extent to which the needs of children from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are identified and supported.
Project Goals
Our hypothesis is that children engaged with the youth justice system have a range of mental health and neurodevelopmental needs that are not currently being consistently identified and addressed. These include mental health difficulties, ADHD, substance misuse issues, and traumatic brain injuries. These health needs are of particular interest to YEF given that they are associated with later involvement in violence. We want to assess the extent to which our hypothesis is correct, and explore what is preventing and facilitating good practice in this context. The project will produce a detailed map of practice, and then test the extent to which practice aligns to what should be happening, in two senses: according to guidance and policy, and in order to meet demand. The project will then explore what prevents or facilitates these health needs from being met, across practice and system levels.
The study will inform YEF’s recommendations for the youth justice sector on how to reduce violence amongst children and young people (which will draw on a range of ongoing and completed research work).
How to apply
Proposals should clearly set out the team’s subject expertise, research experience, methodological approach, budget and value for money, and a project plan and timeline.
Applicants should submit a proposal by 9am on 16th March 2026 to leanne.robinson@youthendowmentfund.org.uk.
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Further information on the project, and how to apply, can be found below
Common clarification questions can be found here. If you have any further questions regarding the project, please email these to leanne.robinson@youthendowmentfund.org.uk by 6pm on 6th March.