Personal statement

I joined the Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice (CYCJ) in October 2013.  CYCJ is an independent centre hosted by the University of Strathclyde.  Prior to joining CYCJ I worked at Glasgow City Council, helping to develop the city’s evidence-based approach to youth justice policy, practice and service development and also managing the Youth Justice Research and Development Team.  While I was there I really enjoyed being able to work collaboratively with practitioners and conducting research that was relevant and meaningful to practice.  I was pleased that the move to CYCJ not only offered the prospect of conducting high quality academic research, but also the opportunity to maintain that connection to practice through colleagues in the Practice Workstream and CYCJ’s existing practitioner networks.

My role at CYCJ is Research Fellow, as well as being the lead for Research Workstream.  This involves developing and implementing the research strategy, overseeing the research output and ensuring that our work helps CYCJ meet its aims and objectives, as well as designing and undertaking research projects.  My key research interests are the experiences and impact of bereavement and loss in young people as well as the vulnerability of young men.  However, my workload at CYCJ is varied which ensures that no two days are ever the same!

My recent projects include: conducting the CYCJ stakeholder survey; an evaluation of a Systemic Family Practice Course; an exploration of the changes in the way that young people and crime are reported in the media; an implementation of Multi-dimensional Treatment Foster Care in the West of Scotland; and the piloting of an assessment and monitoring tool for vulnerable young women.

Find out more about CYCJ at www.cycj.org.uk