This book provides an essential resource for both practitioners in youth justice as well as those who are studying the subject as part of their training or an academic course. Its central aim is to equip practitioners in youth justice and the wider children's workforce with an understanding of key theoretical concepts from a range of disciplines that might inform and enhance their work. The Handbook aims to encourage a critical interrogation of the ideas that underpin practice, examining such concepts as 'child development', 'crime' and 'punishment', and also provides a descriptive account of current practice in areas such as community corrections and incarceration - examining the evidence base for this and suggesting alternative strategies where appropriate. A key objective is to provide both students and practitioners in youth justice with the confidence to critically reflect on the ideas and current debates that influence work undertaken with young people.