Program

GIRAF (Group of International Researchers in Adolescent Forensics) is an international transdisciplinary research community. GIRAF connects academics, policy makers, practitioners, young people and carers across jurisdictions and sectors of secure care – currently representing over a 100 members from more than 30 countries. GIRAF addresses the complex arena of secure care for young people who pose the highest risk of violence to and from others. Typically, they lack social capital, have high rates of adverse childhood experiences, suffer from mental and/or physical health problems and belong to group that has experienced racialisation, marginalisation and exclusion. International responses to them vary despite the broadly similar challenges and the universal developmental needs of children. No one country, on its own, can provide answers on how to provide the best care for these children and young people. GIRAF grew from an international debate at the 2019 EFCAP conference. In 2026 we would be honored to again organize such a debate. For this international debate we will bring together a panel of academics and practitioners from different countries. This panel will discuss differences and similarities in ethos and practice of secure care; highlighting pressing issues, challenges and solutions, and aspirations for the future. We will also stimulate the audience to participate by presenting the room with tantalizing statements that audience and panel can reflect on and discuss. The debate will be guided by a moderator. Please note given the nature of this session no separate papers are submitted.