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New Research on Teenagers Key Findings and the Implications for Policy and Practice

Based on the Department of Health recent overview, Focus on Teenagers (1996), this article by Hedy Cleaver explores the problems teenagers present to social services in terms of their health needs, education, behaviour, relationships, identity and life skills. The ability of social services to address these problems and adequately equip adolescents for adult life is scrutinised. Among the beneficial approaches suggested by the findings outlined are the value of mediation and negotiation, the strategic role that a trusted mentor or ‘champion’ can play in the lives of looked after teenagers, and the need for a flexible attitude to placement in order to more successfully accommodate young people's changing circumstances and provide greater stability.