THE PAINS OF PARAMILITARISM: The Latent Criminogenic Effects of Exposure to Paramilitary Violence Among Young Men in a Post-Conflict Society

Risk environment influences affecting cocaine market expansion within post-conflict Northern Ireland

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of research examining environmental influences affecting the growth of contemporary cocaine markets in post-conflict societies. This qualitative study addresses this gap by exploring multi-faceted environmental influences affecting cocaine market expansion within the unique transitional setting of Northern Ireland from the perspective of professionals working in diverse settings.

METHODS

The study employed a critical, qualitative and exploratory research design informed by the risk environment framework. Purposeful and snowball sampling were used to recruit policing, voluntary and community substance use and youth service professionals. Semi-structured (n = 8) and email (n = 2) interviews were conducted and a reflexive thematic data analysis was completed.

RESULTS

Five main themes were identified. The (1) 'changing political landscape' within Northern Ireland helped facilitate growing cocaine markets. Coinciding with these structural changes was increased (2) 'paramilitary involvement and control' of the cocaine market and increased (3) 'collaboration with external organised crime groups.' Subsequently, (4) 'diversified supply networks' developed within the context of (5) 'increased demand' for cocaine which was linked to differentiated normalisation and the transitional setting of Northern Ireland.

CONCLUSION

Findings highlight unique environmental influences affecting expanding cocaine markets in 'post-conflict' Northern Ireland. A holistic, public health-led, multi-agency and harm reduction approach is needed tackle paramilitary and organised crime coercive social control. Policy makers and service providers should routinely monitor local retail cocaine markets and provide rapid drug testing. Peer-led, trauma-informed harm reduction strategies are needed to mitigate potential cocaine-related harms among people who use drugs.

The Profile and Characteristics of Young People Accessing Recently Implemented Community Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (F:CAMHS) in Northern Ireland

Children under the age of 18 who are known to forensic child and adolescent mental health services often present with complex psychosocial and behavioural needs that are elevated compared with those in the general youth population. The Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service for Northern Ireland (FCAMHSNI) was commissioned in 2014 to support these children. Despite almost a decade of implementation, the profile and characteristics in the service remain under-analysed, impeding service improvement and making international comparisons more difficult. The primary aim of the current study was to address the regional gaps in how the needs of those accessing FCAMHSNI are understood. A secondary aim was to capture comparable data. Data on 107 accepted referrals are included in the analyses. The majority of cases within this time period were male (81.1%, n = 86) and the majority of presenting behaviours were related to violence and aggression 62.3% (n = 48). However, some forms of violence, such as harmful sexual behaviour, was relatively low when compared with other jurisdictions. Specific demographic characteristics such as gender and religious background appeared to be significant risk factors for referral to the service. Almost all of the sample are known to have experienced at least one potentially traumatic event (95.2%) and in more than one-third of cases, service users presented with co-morbid issues (35.6%, n = 37). These observations are discussed. This study adds to the growing international literature around the needs of forensically involved youth and helps to inform future service development and provision.

Street Doctors Northern Ireland: A mixed-method process and impact evaluation of a youth violence reduction intervention

Community violence is an enduring challenge that disproportionally affects youth. This is particularly the case in post-conflict settings such as Northern Ireland. Evidence supported youth work interventions are an important yet under-evaluated area of violence prevention efforts. Youth work approaches have demonstrated significant utility in reaching those most at risk of violence related harm and have the potential to save lives. Street Doctors is a UK charity that seeks to empower young people affected by violence with the skills and knowledge to save lives. Despite burgeoning delivery across the United Kingdom, there has been a paucity of robust evaluations undertaken thus far. The present study reports the findings of a process and impact evaluation of Street Doctors during its pilot into Northern Ireland. The brief intervention was a highly acceptable, thus demonstrating its potential to be implemented within the context of routine youth service provision. Despite the favourable attitudes of participants, no effects were found. Practical implications are discussed.