"This is an important and timely book. With its emphasis upon knowledge, skills and decision making it is a refreshing antidote to the promulgation of risk assessment tools. Skills are rightly prioritised over tool use, and this will be a 'must read' for youth justice practitioners and managers." Hazel Kemshall, Professor of Community and Criminal Justice, De Montfort University. "This book could not be more timely. It will be of great value to practitioners, managers, policy makers and academics. For anyone with responsibilities for working with young people involved in offending to improve assessment, planning, management and supervision in the interests of young people and the community, this book is essential reading." Bill Whyte, University of Edinburgh