THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUTH AND CRIME IN MALTA

ABSTRACT : The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between youth and crime in Malta. Therelationship between youth and crime is one of the most contentious relationships both because it is enduringand because certain authors claim it is impervious to psychological and social explanations. Using a semistructured interview format this research engaged with 5 youth workers working with NGO‟s, state agencies andcommunity organizations and sought to understand how the social construction of youth crime occurs in Malta.The results were for the most part in line with international findings with education, broader social forces andfamily playing key roles as protective or risk factors. Lacunae in praxis from various entities in the youth workfield were identified and highlighted how such a fragmentary and piecemeal approach persists and may evencontribute to the legitimization of negative systemic messages given to certain categories of youths.

Keywords -Relationship, Youth, Crime, Malta, Risk