Policy Press
6 MAPPA as ‘risk in action’: discretion and decision making
Abstract
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) are a fascinating example of ‘risk in action’, combining elements of the new penology with a more traditional (or perhaps clinical) focus on individualised assessment and tailored interventions. This chapter explores the balance between rules and discretion in MAPPA, the significance of informal practice, and some of the factors influencing decision making. It raises some important questions about the current MAPPA framework that should prompt further consideration of ways in which it could be developed so as to be more appropriate not only for young people but also for practitioners and managers in youth justice. It notes how discretion is able to peep through the cracks of public protection and in some places can be widely exercised by those operating on the front line of practice. The chapter argues that risk aversion (based on ‘othering’) may lead to exclusionary practices, but on the other hand, risk-based practice can potentially encompass more inclusive and rehabilitative approaches if staff have the appropriate skills to exercise professional discretion in their choice of interventions.
Abstract
Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) are a fascinating example of ‘risk in action’, combining elements of the new penology with a more traditional (or perhaps clinical) focus on individualised assessment and tailored interventions. This chapter explores the balance between rules and discretion in MAPPA, the significance of informal practice, and some of the factors influencing decision making. It raises some important questions about the current MAPPA framework that should prompt further consideration of ways in which it could be developed so as to be more appropriate not only for young people but also for practitioners and managers in youth justice. It notes how discretion is able to peep through the cracks of public protection and in some places can be widely exercised by those operating on the front line of practice. The chapter argues that risk aversion (based on ‘othering’) may lead to exclusionary practices, but on the other hand, risk-based practice can potentially encompass more inclusive and rehabilitative approaches if staff have the appropriate skills to exercise professional discretion in their choice of interventions.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- Acknowledgements iv
- Notes on contributors v
- Introduction 1
-
Young people and MAPPA: current policy and practice
- Setting the scene: risk, welfare and rights 11
- MAPPA: learning the lessons for young offenders 25
- Youth Offending Teams and MAPPA: past problems, current challenges and future prospects 43
- Promoting public protection in youth justice: challenges for policy and practice 59
-
Risk management through MAPPA: the right approach for young people?
- Young people, serious offending and managing risk: a Scottish perspective 75
- MAPPA as ‘risk in action’: discretion and decision making 93
- MAPPA for kids: discourses of security, risk and children’s rights 111
- Conclusion 125
- Appendix: Qualifying offences for MAPPA categories 1 and 2 135
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- Acknowledgements iv
- Notes on contributors v
- Introduction 1
-
Young people and MAPPA: current policy and practice
- Setting the scene: risk, welfare and rights 11
- MAPPA: learning the lessons for young offenders 25
- Youth Offending Teams and MAPPA: past problems, current challenges and future prospects 43
- Promoting public protection in youth justice: challenges for policy and practice 59
-
Risk management through MAPPA: the right approach for young people?
- Young people, serious offending and managing risk: a Scottish perspective 75
- MAPPA as ‘risk in action’: discretion and decision making 93
- MAPPA for kids: discourses of security, risk and children’s rights 111
- Conclusion 125
- Appendix: Qualifying offences for MAPPA categories 1 and 2 135
