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Neal Hazel

University of Salford, Sociology and Criminology, Faculty Member

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Neal is Professor of Crime and Criminal Justice at the University of Salford, UK. He has led more than thirty funded research projects. Neal is the former HM Deputy Chief Inspector of Probation for England and Wales. In January 2018, he was appointed to the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales.Neal’s current research interests focus on youth crime and justice (particularly juvenile custody and offenders
Phone: +44 (0)161 295 5122
Address: Centre for Social Research (CSR.Salford)
University of Salford
Greater Manchester
M5 4WT
United Kingdom

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Papers by Neal Hazel

Putting the Conflict Tactics Scale in context in violence from parent to child

Lessons from the Literature Update: November 2014

U SIR is a digi t al collec tion of t h e r e s e a r c h ou t p u t of t h e U nive r si ty of S... more U SIR is a digi t al collec tion of t h e r e s e a r c h ou t p u t of t h e U nive r si ty of S alford. Whe r e copyrigh t p e r mi t s, full t ex t m a t e ri al h eld in t h e r e posi to ry is m a d e fre ely availabl e online a n d c a n b e r e a d , dow nloa d e d a n d copied for no nco m m e rcial p riva t e s t u dy o r r e s e a r c h p u r pos e s . Ple a s e c h e ck t h e m a n u sc rip t for a ny fu r t h e r copyrig h t r e s t ric tions.

Child first, offender second – A progressive model for education in custody

International Journal of Educational Development, 2020

Disengagement and poor educational attainment in education are firmly established risk factors fo... more Disengagement and poor educational attainment in education are firmly established risk factors for juvenile crime, leading policymakers to identify educational provision in and after custody as a key pathway for effective reentry (resettlement). However, although there is emerging evidence that children’s educational progress can reduce recidivism, persistent issues have dogged the delivery of education in custody across the Western world. We identify these issues as rooted in fundamental weaknesses of the risk paradigm that defines the relationship between custodial education and juvenile justice outcomes, in particular reflecting the absence of a cogent theory of change. We propose an alternative ‘Child First’ conceptual framework for custodial education that draws on the ‘Positive Youth Justice’ approach in contemporary youth justice and adopts the development of children’s pro-social identity as its theory of change and key purpose. We explore for the first-time what overarching...

Young offenders’ perceptions of their experiences

This report summarises the main findings from a new study of the experiences of young offenders c... more This report summarises the main findings from a new study of the experiences of young offenders caught up in the youth justice system. The project was split into two parts: (i) a literature review; and (ii) a qualitative empirical study consisting of interviews with 37 young offenders from four separate Youth Offending Teams (YOTs), interviews with their youth justice professionals and examination of their case files.

Promoting Shifts in Personal Narratives and Providing Structures of Support: Transitions of Incarcerated Children in England and Wales

Recidivism rates for children leaving custody in England and Wales have remained stubbornly high,... more Recidivism rates for children leaving custody in England and Wales have remained stubbornly high, despite intense policy interest and some promising short-term initiatives. In this chapter, it is argued that the major challenge to improved outcomes has been the widespread failure of service providers to adopt lessons from research. This failure, we maintain, has been due to the lack of a conceptual understanding of how resettlement intervention effects positive change in children, leading to confusion as to service aims and what good practice looks like. Based on the existing knowledge base, from a 6-year study entitled, Beyond Youth Custody, it was concluded that effective resettlement should be reconceptualized as personal and practical support, that facilitates a shift in the child’s personal narrative from pro-criminal to pro-social. Five characteristics for practice necessary to promote this shift are identified, which are compared to the Taxonomy for Transition Programming 2.0.

Supporting Children’s Resettlement (‘Reentry’) After Custody: Beyond the Risk Paradigm

Youth Justice, 2020

In response to policy concerns in England and Wales and internationally, a considerable knowledge... more In response to policy concerns in England and Wales and internationally, a considerable knowledge base has identified factors statistically associated with reduced recidivism for children leaving custodial institutions. However, despite resulting guidance on how to support resettlement (‘reentry’), practice and outcomes remain disappointing. We argue that this failure reflects weaknesses in the dominant ‘risk paradigm’, which lacks a theory of change and undermines children’s agency. We conceptualise resettlement as a pro-social identity shift. A new practice model reinterprets existing risk-based messages accordingly, and crucially adds principles to guide a child’s desistance journey. However, successful implementation may require the model to inform culture change more broadly across youth justice.

Young offenders’ trauma on release from custody

Resettlement after prisons: What the Government needs to know for the new youth custody Bill

Resettlement of young people leaving custody: Lessons from the literature update: July 2013

P O L I C Y Fathers at the Centre: family centres, fathers and working with men

Evaluation of Salford Youthbuild

• There was a big change in offending behaviour in clients over the course of their involvement i... more • There was a big change in offending behaviour in clients over the course of their involvement in Youthbuild. Both involvement with the criminal justice system, and selfperceptions of staying out of trouble reduced dramatically. Median average offences over four weeks reduced from 11 to 2. Of those who previously admitted offending during period prior to Youthbuild, a third desisted completely in the period after. • The range of offence type reduced from 4 to 1, with the number of clients involved in any types of violent offences in the previous 4 weeks reduced from two-thirds to less than a third. Theft was reduced the most. Generally, only buying drugs for own use remained a substantial category of offending. • Reasons given for desistance related to four themes: too tired after work; did not need the money anymore; did not want to spoil the employment opportunity; and they had matured during their involvement. • Self-esteem continued to be high, and there was a positive shift in feelings related to status and achievement. However, the majority still felt that they were having problems in at least one area of their lives that would affect future prospects. • There were improvements in lifestyle, suggesting positive structure. A lot less stayed out late at night (46% from 88%), and hanging around with offending peer was cut from almost all to two-thirds. This again was linked to maturing through the project -tying in with the transition from youth to man that was the cultural focus on the building site. • There was clear qualitative evidence of the development of interpersonal skills and taking responsibility. • There was a dramatic improvement in health, where problems that had beset all clients were reduced to less than a third. Problems affecting employment was reduced from three in four to one in four. However, for a small number emotional issues may be exacerbated on-site. • Substance misuse was reduced from almost all to just over half (54%) of clients, with a reduction in those perceived to have, or reporting, "problematic" drug use. • Difficulties with living arrangements continued to affect clients, with about half considered to have problems that would affect employability. • There was an improvement in relationship problems with family and friends. However, there was a worsening of levels of support generally (62% to 50% problematic) and in particular relation to their involvement with Youthbuild. Where it existed, motivational and practical/financial support was considered important. Where it did not, it was sometimes supplemented by support from Youthbuild staff. • There have been substantial positive changes in these young people's lives, which can reasonably be accredited to Salford Youthbuild -at least as the catalyst for change. • The project made substantial contributions to several indicators of improvement across the NCH Outcomes Framework (based on Every Child Matters) • Salford Youthbuild success depended on the commitment, pragmatism and reflective practice of staff. It also had a mutually beneficial relationship with employers. • Key successes for the project included varied support, providing employment opportunities, client satisfaction, dramatic reductions in offending behaviour, dramatic improvements in health, reduction in substance misuse, improvement of life skills, and substantial reduction in ETE problems. • Key limitations and challenges included lack of lead-in time, some perceived organisational support issues, lack of partnership from other agencies, delays in some placements, limited preparedness of clients for the cultural pressures of construction work, tensions between support needs and the 'macho' occupational culture, risk of employer exploitation, lack of familial support, the economic downturn, and the abrupt curtailment of support when funding for the project ended. • The project largely met any written objectives, particularly in relation to reducing offending behaviour and improving employability. • Key recommendations included early work on agency partnership, establishing links with clients' families, learning agreements with clients to clarify expectations, and more emphasis and activities to prepare clients for the demands of work culture (particularly 'onsite culture'). • Given the positive journeys for the young people involved, it was regrettable that the funding ended, and support restarting the project or learning lessons from the experience. • The essence of the experience for young people was an intervention that enabled a transition from young offender to valued member of the community, through cultural shifts. It saw clients negotiate some difficult rites of passage involved the 'lads' becoming responsible 'men'. It showed how local partnerships can enable this transition. • The project raised far-reaching questions about how to better prepare young people for the cultural transition to the culture of work, facilitating this personal transition. It also raised issues for how to support needy young clients within a very masculine construction culture.

The National Study of Parents, Children and Discipline in Britain

Almost all parents in Britain with children aged up to twelve years old use non-physical methods ... more Almost all parents in Britain with children aged up to twelve years old use non-physical methods of discipline with their children ♦ Over half report using minor physical punishment (e.g. smacking and slapping) with their child during the past year, and 9% report having used severe physical punishment ♦ Parents use physical punishment as an adjunct to non-physical methods, not as an alternative ♦ Young parents, and those with unsupportive partners are more likely to use physical punishment. ♦ Toddlers, pre-school aged children and those rated by their parent as 'difficult' are much more likely to be physically punished than other children

Macro and Micro Patterns in the Development of Secure Custodial Institutions for Serious and Persistent Young Offenders in England and Wales

Youth Justice, 2001

During the last two centuries England and Wales have developed what is now referred to as the ‘se... more During the last two centuries England and Wales have developed what is now referred to as the ‘secure estate for juveniles’: various institutions providing custody for young offenders. Overall (macro) patterns of use of custody have been shown to relate to ideological swings in policy throughout this period. However, alongside this broader policy context, each institution has its own history of development (micro). This article identifies common themes in the rise and fall of custodial institutions. It concludes that focusing solely on macro analysis underestimates the complexities of developing a custodial institution, and disguises lessons from the past.

Negotiating doorstep access: door-to-door survey researchers' strategies to obtain participation

International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 2013

This article explores the interactions between researchers and potential respondents when recruit... more This article explores the interactions between researchers and potential respondents when recruiting for a door-to-door survey. Researchers’ reflective accounts suggest a range of tactics used to influence potential participation in research that draws upon contrasting identities and roles for researchers and participants. In examining these roles, the paper demonstrates the ways in which, while fleeting, the interactions between researcher and

Resettlement of Young Offenders: Can practice make perfect?

Criminal Justice Matters, 2004

Fathers and family centres Engaging fathers in preventive services

Violence against children: thresholds of acceptance for physical punishment in a normative study of parents, children and discipline

... Violence against children: thresholds of acceptance for physical punishment in a normative st... more

A Helping Hand?'Young People's Perceptions of Adults' Use of Physical Force In Disciplinary Relationships With Children

University o/Stirling Department of Applied Social Science 'A helping hand?': Young people's perc... more

Cross-National Comparison of Youth Justice

London: Youth Justice Board, 2008

Fathers and Family Centres

York: YPS for, 2000

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has supported this project as part of its programme of research an... more

Putting the Conflict Tactics Scale in context in violence from parent to child

Lessons from the Literature Update: November 2014

U SIR is a digi t al collec tion of t h e r e s e a r c h ou t p u t of t h e U nive r si ty of S... more U SIR is a digi t al collec tion of t h e r e s e a r c h ou t p u t of t h e U nive r si ty of S alford. Whe r e copyrigh t p e r mi t s, full t ex t m a t e ri al h eld in t h e r e posi to ry is m a d e fre ely availabl e online a n d c a n b e r e a d , dow nloa d e d a n d copied for no nco m m e rcial p riva t e s t u dy o r r e s e a r c h p u r pos e s . Ple a s e c h e ck t h e m a n u sc rip t for a ny fu r t h e r copyrig h t r e s t ric tions.

Child first, offender second – A progressive model for education in custody

International Journal of Educational Development, 2020

Disengagement and poor educational attainment in education are firmly established risk factors fo... more Disengagement and poor educational attainment in education are firmly established risk factors for juvenile crime, leading policymakers to identify educational provision in and after custody as a key pathway for effective reentry (resettlement). However, although there is emerging evidence that children’s educational progress can reduce recidivism, persistent issues have dogged the delivery of education in custody across the Western world. We identify these issues as rooted in fundamental weaknesses of the risk paradigm that defines the relationship between custodial education and juvenile justice outcomes, in particular reflecting the absence of a cogent theory of change. We propose an alternative ‘Child First’ conceptual framework for custodial education that draws on the ‘Positive Youth Justice’ approach in contemporary youth justice and adopts the development of children’s pro-social identity as its theory of change and key purpose. We explore for the first-time what overarching...

Young offenders’ perceptions of their experiences

This report summarises the main findings from a new study of the experiences of young offenders c... more This report summarises the main findings from a new study of the experiences of young offenders caught up in the youth justice system. The project was split into two parts: (i) a literature review; and (ii) a qualitative empirical study consisting of interviews with 37 young offenders from four separate Youth Offending Teams (YOTs), interviews with their youth justice professionals and examination of their case files.

Promoting Shifts in Personal Narratives and Providing Structures of Support: Transitions of Incarcerated Children in England and Wales

Recidivism rates for children leaving custody in England and Wales have remained stubbornly high,... more Recidivism rates for children leaving custody in England and Wales have remained stubbornly high, despite intense policy interest and some promising short-term initiatives. In this chapter, it is argued that the major challenge to improved outcomes has been the widespread failure of service providers to adopt lessons from research. This failure, we maintain, has been due to the lack of a conceptual understanding of how resettlement intervention effects positive change in children, leading to confusion as to service aims and what good practice looks like. Based on the existing knowledge base, from a 6-year study entitled, Beyond Youth Custody, it was concluded that effective resettlement should be reconceptualized as personal and practical support, that facilitates a shift in the child’s personal narrative from pro-criminal to pro-social. Five characteristics for practice necessary to promote this shift are identified, which are compared to the Taxonomy for Transition Programming 2.0.

Supporting Children’s Resettlement (‘Reentry’) After Custody: Beyond the Risk Paradigm

Youth Justice, 2020

In response to policy concerns in England and Wales and internationally, a considerable knowledge... more In response to policy concerns in England and Wales and internationally, a considerable knowledge base has identified factors statistically associated with reduced recidivism for children leaving custodial institutions. However, despite resulting guidance on how to support resettlement (‘reentry’), practice and outcomes remain disappointing. We argue that this failure reflects weaknesses in the dominant ‘risk paradigm’, which lacks a theory of change and undermines children’s agency. We conceptualise resettlement as a pro-social identity shift. A new practice model reinterprets existing risk-based messages accordingly, and crucially adds principles to guide a child’s desistance journey. However, successful implementation may require the model to inform culture change more broadly across youth justice.

Young offenders’ trauma on release from custody

Resettlement after prisons: What the Government needs to know for the new youth custody Bill

Resettlement of young people leaving custody: Lessons from the literature update: July 2013

P O L I C Y Fathers at the Centre: family centres, fathers and working with men

Evaluation of Salford Youthbuild

• There was a big change in offending behaviour in clients over the course of their involvement i... more • There was a big change in offending behaviour in clients over the course of their involvement in Youthbuild. Both involvement with the criminal justice system, and selfperceptions of staying out of trouble reduced dramatically. Median average offences over four weeks reduced from 11 to 2. Of those who previously admitted offending during period prior to Youthbuild, a third desisted completely in the period after. • The range of offence type reduced from 4 to 1, with the number of clients involved in any types of violent offences in the previous 4 weeks reduced from two-thirds to less than a third. Theft was reduced the most. Generally, only buying drugs for own use remained a substantial category of offending. • Reasons given for desistance related to four themes: too tired after work; did not need the money anymore; did not want to spoil the employment opportunity; and they had matured during their involvement. • Self-esteem continued to be high, and there was a positive shift in feelings related to status and achievement. However, the majority still felt that they were having problems in at least one area of their lives that would affect future prospects. • There were improvements in lifestyle, suggesting positive structure. A lot less stayed out late at night (46% from 88%), and hanging around with offending peer was cut from almost all to two-thirds. This again was linked to maturing through the project -tying in with the transition from youth to man that was the cultural focus on the building site. • There was clear qualitative evidence of the development of interpersonal skills and taking responsibility. • There was a dramatic improvement in health, where problems that had beset all clients were reduced to less than a third. Problems affecting employment was reduced from three in four to one in four. However, for a small number emotional issues may be exacerbated on-site. • Substance misuse was reduced from almost all to just over half (54%) of clients, with a reduction in those perceived to have, or reporting, "problematic" drug use. • Difficulties with living arrangements continued to affect clients, with about half considered to have problems that would affect employability. • There was an improvement in relationship problems with family and friends. However, there was a worsening of levels of support generally (62% to 50% problematic) and in particular relation to their involvement with Youthbuild. Where it existed, motivational and practical/financial support was considered important. Where it did not, it was sometimes supplemented by support from Youthbuild staff. • There have been substantial positive changes in these young people's lives, which can reasonably be accredited to Salford Youthbuild -at least as the catalyst for change. • The project made substantial contributions to several indicators of improvement across the NCH Outcomes Framework (based on Every Child Matters) • Salford Youthbuild success depended on the commitment, pragmatism and reflective practice of staff. It also had a mutually beneficial relationship with employers. • Key successes for the project included varied support, providing employment opportunities, client satisfaction, dramatic reductions in offending behaviour, dramatic improvements in health, reduction in substance misuse, improvement of life skills, and substantial reduction in ETE problems. • Key limitations and challenges included lack of lead-in time, some perceived organisational support issues, lack of partnership from other agencies, delays in some placements, limited preparedness of clients for the cultural pressures of construction work, tensions between support needs and the 'macho' occupational culture, risk of employer exploitation, lack of familial support, the economic downturn, and the abrupt curtailment of support when funding for the project ended. • The project largely met any written objectives, particularly in relation to reducing offending behaviour and improving employability. • Key recommendations included early work on agency partnership, establishing links with clients' families, learning agreements with clients to clarify expectations, and more emphasis and activities to prepare clients for the demands of work culture (particularly 'onsite culture'). • Given the positive journeys for the young people involved, it was regrettable that the funding ended, and support restarting the project or learning lessons from the experience. • The essence of the experience for young people was an intervention that enabled a transition from young offender to valued member of the community, through cultural shifts. It saw clients negotiate some difficult rites of passage involved the 'lads' becoming responsible 'men'. It showed how local partnerships can enable this transition. • The project raised far-reaching questions about how to better prepare young people for the cultural transition to the culture of work, facilitating this personal transition. It also raised issues for how to support needy young clients within a very masculine construction culture.

The National Study of Parents, Children and Discipline in Britain

Almost all parents in Britain with children aged up to twelve years old use non-physical methods ... more Almost all parents in Britain with children aged up to twelve years old use non-physical methods of discipline with their children ♦ Over half report using minor physical punishment (e.g. smacking and slapping) with their child during the past year, and 9% report having used severe physical punishment ♦ Parents use physical punishment as an adjunct to non-physical methods, not as an alternative ♦ Young parents, and those with unsupportive partners are more likely to use physical punishment. ♦ Toddlers, pre-school aged children and those rated by their parent as 'difficult' are much more likely to be physically punished than other children

Macro and Micro Patterns in the Development of Secure Custodial Institutions for Serious and Persistent Young Offenders in England and Wales

Youth Justice, 2001

During the last two centuries England and Wales have developed what is now referred to as the ‘se... more During the last two centuries England and Wales have developed what is now referred to as the ‘secure estate for juveniles’: various institutions providing custody for young offenders. Overall (macro) patterns of use of custody have been shown to relate to ideological swings in policy throughout this period. However, alongside this broader policy context, each institution has its own history of development (micro). This article identifies common themes in the rise and fall of custodial institutions. It concludes that focusing solely on macro analysis underestimates the complexities of developing a custodial institution, and disguises lessons from the past.

Negotiating doorstep access: door-to-door survey researchers' strategies to obtain participation

International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 2013

This article explores the interactions between researchers and potential respondents when recruit... more This article explores the interactions between researchers and potential respondents when recruiting for a door-to-door survey. Researchers’ reflective accounts suggest a range of tactics used to influence potential participation in research that draws upon contrasting identities and roles for researchers and participants. In examining these roles, the paper demonstrates the ways in which, while fleeting, the interactions between researcher and

Resettlement of Young Offenders: Can practice make perfect?

Criminal Justice Matters, 2004

Fathers and family centres Engaging fathers in preventive services

Violence against children: thresholds of acceptance for physical punishment in a normative study of parents, children and discipline

... Violence against children: thresholds of acceptance for physical punishment in a normative st... more

A Helping Hand?'Young People's Perceptions of Adults' Use of Physical Force In Disciplinary Relationships With Children

University o/Stirling Department of Applied Social Science 'A helping hand?': Young people's perc... more

Cross-National Comparison of Youth Justice

London: Youth Justice Board, 2008

Fathers and Family Centres

York: YPS for, 2000

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has supported this project as part of its programme of research an... more

Young people's experiences of police and institutional custody

This presentation considers draws from a number of research projects over a 15 year period to syn... more This presentation considers draws from a number of research projects over a 15 year period to synthesis what young people say about their experiences of custody. Particular attention is paid to qualitative research featuring what children say about their time in police custody. Recurring themes include confusion over their rights, anxiety and coping mechanisms, negative support and vulnerability to adult-child power relations.

• Resettlement of young offenders after custody: Lessons from a major project in England

Effective resettlement of juvenile offenders following a custodial sentence is recognised as a ke... more Effective resettlement of juvenile offenders following a custodial sentence is recognised as a key issue in youth justice within and beyond England and Wales. Having the highest recidivism rates of any judicial punishment, combined with the speed of reoffending after release, has ensured that resettlement is a high political priority. Moreover, previous research has shown that system failures undermine effective resettlement; including not passing information from custody to community agencies and problems in ensuring facilities are set-up in time for the child's release.

RESET was a major project established with European Equal funding to explore ways to improve resettlement though models of support. The project was a partnership of more than 50 national and local agencies. This paper presents findings from the evaluation of RESET, including discussions of lessons for (and beyond) wider resettlement policy and practice. Conclusions and recommendations focus on issues of agency partnership, engagement and coordination to ensure comprehensive support for young people after custody.

• Improving mental health provision in the juvenile justice system: promising and innovative practice in England and beyond

Juvenile offenders have a disproportionate amount of health problems compared to non-offenders (W... more Juvenile offenders have a disproportionate amount of health problems compared to non-offenders (Wilson and Tully 2009; Healthcare Commission and HMIP 2009), including high rates of mental health (Chitsabesan et al 2006) and substance misuse (Goldson 2000) needs. Consequently, the last decade has seen a plethora of initiatives from both health and justice authorities in England and beyond attempting to improve services and outcomes for this group. Nevertheless, juvenile offenders have remained relatively been poorly served by health services, with access and engagement problems both in the community and custody widely reported (e.g. Department of Health 2009; Healthcare Commission and HMIP 2009). Despite this negative picture, however, Inspectorate reports have consistently highlighted isolated examples of promising practice that could inform wider provision.

This paper explores examples of promising and innovative practice for mental health and substance misuse service provision for those in the juvenile justice system within and beyond England. Findings are drawn from a review of practice undertaken in spring 2010 with the cooperation of the Department of Health and Ministry of Justice. Data were gathered through a scoping review (including a study of Inspectorate reports), and a survey of practitioners.
Areas of innovative practice addressed in the paper include coordination of resources and collaboration between health and justice services; assessment and referral; engaging youth; diversion from court; staff training and culture; health education; and help when leaving custody. The paper concludes with a synthesis of key features to promote good practice in health provision in the juvenile justice