En vilja att göra det bästa för ungdomar : En kvalitativ studie om förebyggande arbete mot ungdomsbrottslighet

Sammanfattning: Juvenile delinquency is a controversial phenomenon and therefore we considered it relevant to study how professionals who meet youths experience crime prevention work and collaboration. The study aimed to investigate how professionals who meet youths describe the work to combat juvenile delinquency. In addition, the study aimed to examine the interaction between authorities that work to combat juvenile delinquency. Furthermore, the study was based on the following questions to answer the purpose: (1) how do professionals describe their work to combat juvenile delinquency?, (2) what do professionals consider important in crime prevention work? and (3) what are professionals' experiences of collaboration on preventive work between authorities that work to combat juvenile delinquency? The study was based on a qualitative method using six interviews with professionals who meet youths. The material from the interviews was processed using a qualitative content analysis. The result was then analyzed using organization theory and collaboration theory. The results showed that crime prevention work involves paying attention to youths in need of support and to create relationships with the youths. Commitment of management, access to resources and youths getting support in time was considered important. The study showed that collaboration works well overall and is widely used. In summary; prevention work was considered relatively well-functioning and there is a strong will to do the best for youths.