The aim of the study was to evaluate experiences of working with delinquent adolescents among supportive actors in Västmanland. A qualitative method and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data for the analysis. A convenience sampling method in combination with a purposive sampling method were used to choose the participants for the study. The study included six participants distributed among three different support actors in Västmanland. The participants operate in the undertaking of delinquent adolescents within social services, non-institutional care and institutional care. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by a manifest content analysis. Three categories were found in the analysis as ”Views of working with delinquent adolescents”, ”Obstacles in the undertaking of delinquent adolescents” and ”Possibilities in the undertaking of delinquent adolescents”. The results showed that support actors had positive experiences of working with delinquent adolescents, both when it comes to achieved results but also in terms of relationships between staff and adolescents. Education and personal characteristics were explained as crucial factors to handle the supportive work of delinquent adolescents. In addition, the results showed that support actors are hindered in their work with delinquent adolescents due to secrecy and a perceived lack of consensus between professionals such as personnel within social services, the police and schools. Increased cooperation between professionals and various actors was shown as an opportunity when it comes to achieve behavioural change for delinquent adolescents.
Keywords: Juvenile delinquency, Obstacles, Possibilities, Propensity for violence, Youth violence