FAMILJEN SOM RESURS I VÄGEN UT UR KRIMINALITET : En kvalitativ studie om familjens betydelse i ungdomars desistance process

This qualitative study examines how social workers who work with youth involved in criminality perceive the family’s significance as a resource in supporting young people in their desistance process. The study also highlights how families are involved and strengthened in young people’s process of leaving criminality. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with five social workers employed in both public and private organisations in the Mälardalen region of Sweden. The findings show that the family plays a central and complex role in young people's opportunities to leave criminality. Family relationships characterized by engagement, presence, trust and care are highlighted as important protective factors. These protective factors can contribute to safety, motivation and positive change. At the same time, the study demonstrates that families' ability to function as support is often limited by social and structural conditions, including mental health problems, illness, financial strain, and demanding work conditions. Parental absence should therefore not be interpreted as a lack of commitment, but rather as a consequence of circumstances beyond the familys control. Furthermore, the results indicate that social workers' relationship based practices, characterized by accessibility, trust and respectful interaction, are important for effective collaboration with the families.