This paper reports research which focuses on the concept of ‘resilience’—a new approach to looking at how protective factors and processes operate in the lives of young people identified as being “at risk”. The study finds that resilience can be gained through protective factors and processes that may be located within the young person (for example, learned attitudes or beliefs); in the family context (for example, caring adults); or in schools and the community. The greater the number of protective factors and processes surrounding a young person, the more likely he or she is to exhibit resilience. This finding highlights the need for programs that provide support to families in crisis, and for greater recognition of the nurturing role schools can play through the establishment of clubs and associations on school premises. The study looked at young people who were classified as being “at risk” of engaging in delinquent behaviour but who did not do so. It found that young people who demonstrated resilience believed that they had control over their lives, had a more positive view and plans for the future, and a stronger sense of attachment to other people and institutions.
This paper is taken from the report of research undertaken with the assistance of a grant from the Criminology Research Council.