Alliance of Sport to lead research project for Thai Institute of Justice

The Alliance of Sport and Professor Rosie Meek are to lead a new research project with the Thailand Institute of Justice compiling best practice for using sport in youth crime prevention.

The Thai government has been leading the way in convening global experts in the use of sport in criminal justice in recent years, and they have turned to the Alliance of Sport and Prof Meek of Royal Holloway University in London to compile the evidence that will underpin future policy and practice.

The objectives of the study are:

• To build a body of knowledge and data within global, evidence-based research and identify practical ways in which sport is successfully integrated into youth crime-prevention programmes
• To present a global common thread showing the benefits of sport within youth crime prevention, despite differing social and judicial contexts across regions
• To analyse the roles and types of multi-stakeholder engagement in the use of sport in crime prevention and criminal justice strategies (both domestic and international)
• To promote this integrated strategy in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Research, which begins immediately and is set to conclude in 2021, will include the collation of existing evidence, as well as global e-surveys, online interviews and focus group discussions with a range of stakeholders who directly engage in youth crime prevention through sport programmes.

The research will lead to a new Thailand Institute of Justice publication which will provide a global evidence base and document the common factors associated with effective and successful sport-based youth crime prevention programmes. It will also recommend approaches to building a multi-stakeholder model for such programmes.

Alliance of Sport Chief Executive James Mapstone, who will focus on the multi-stakeholder engagement part of the project, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the Thailand Institute of Justice on this important project which will impact positively on youth crime prevention on a global scale.

“This work is further evidence of our increasing reach and status as a charity. It shows we are recognised and trusted worldwide as the go-to organisation to provide support and expertise for anyone using sport in crime prevention at a local, national or international level.”

Professor Rosie Meek added: “This collaborative project represents an exciting development in our combined efforts to contribute to and highlight the positive impact that sport and physical activity can play in criminal justice. I welcome this unique opportunity and in focusing specifically on youth justice I hope our work can help bring about better outcomes for children caught up in justice systems around the world.”

A spokesperson for the Thailand Institute of Justice reiterated their enthusiasm for the project: “As part of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network (UN-PNI), one of our mandates is to promote the nexus between the rule of law and sustainable development.

“We believe sports-based programmes will play a key role in preventing crime and victimisation, especially among youth and other vulnerable groups. We are pleased to join hands with the Alliance of Sport and Professor Meek in raising global awareness of this important issue.”

Pic: AoS Chief Executive James Mapstone alongside Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee, Special Advisor to the TIJ