Major new international book by UoG professor calls for education to be at the heart of youth justice
A University of Gloucestershire professor leads on a major new co-edited international handbook calling for education to be placed at the heart of youth justice systems worldwide.
The Palgrave Handbook on the Education of Children in Criminal Justice Settings is the first reference work of its kind to focus specifically on the education of children and young people within the justice system.
The groundbreaking book has been co-edited by the University’s Professor Adeela Shafi MBE, Professor of Education in Youth Justice, whose extensive research explores the experiences of young people in the justice system and how education can help to re-engage and support them.
The book, published by Palgrave Macmillan on 30 September 2026, brings together contributions from more than 50 authors across 12 countries, drawing on perspectives from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North and South America, and Australasia.
It examines the educational experiences of children and young people who come into contact with the justice system, exploring inequalities and the complex needs that can shape their experiences of education.
Highlighting research, policy and practice from a wide range of international contexts, the handbook identifies challenges shared across different countries while also recognising the diverse social, cultural and criminal justice systems in which education is delivered.
At the heart of the handbook is a new set of CHILD-friendly principles, developed to provide a fresh framework for thinking about education within youth justice systems and to support evidence-informed approaches for policymakers, educators and practitioners.
The CHILD framework sets out five principles for education in youth justice: Child-Centred, Holistic, Inclusive, Learning-Focused and Dignity-Driven. Together, they emphasise an approach that recognises children first and foremost as learners with individual needs, rights and potential.
Professor Shafi MBE co-edited the book with Dr Hope Kent (Exeter University), Professor Stephen Case (Loughborough University) and Professor Neal Hazel (University of Salford) – all leading academic researchers and authors specialising in youth justice, criminology, and the education of children in the criminal justice system.
Professor Shafi MBE said: “Children who come into contact with the justice system are children first and foremost. Our book advances the idea of education as a form of redress, recognising that children who have faced disadvantage should have access to meaningful education that gives them a fairer chance in life.
“Together, the chapters in our new handbook explore the complex relationship between welfare, justice and education, while introducing a new perspective through the CHILD-friendly principles.
“This handbook sets out evidence-informed recommendations for policymakers, educators and youth justice professionals.
“At its heart is a call to place education at the centre of youth justice, not as an addition to punishment, but as a powerful means of promoting dignity, inclusion and social justice.”
Image: Professor Adeela Shafi MBE