Invited contributions from leading researchers analyze current policy and practice issues in youth justice in the UK and Australia. Each chapter includes references to all four UK countries, and pays some attention to issues such as gender, ethnicity, poverty, and discrimination. The first part of the book provides a social, theoretical, and political context for youth offending and youth justice. Part II examines more practical or specific issues related to work with young offenders. Chapter topics include supervising young offenders, custodial care, and risk assessment. A final essay summarizes themes of the preceding chapters, including the increasing criminalization and stigmatization of youth, and the fact that many youth justice policies are more likely to exacerbate the problem of youth crime. The book is for practitioners, managers, policymakers, and students in social work, youth work, and criminal justice. The authors are affiliated with the Glasgow School of Social Work and the Scottish Center for Crime and Justice Research. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)