Before it's too late : A qualitative study on social workers' perception and management of risk signals for juvenile delinquency.

The purpose of the study is to create a deeper understanding of how the social worker perceives and manages risk signals regarding juvenile delinquency in their practical work. Based on the collected empiricism and previous research, we can conclude that juvenile delinquency is a complex topic, where the problem rarely has a one-sided or unambiguous explanation. Empiricism has been collected through six semi-structured interviews in which the interviewees have been selected through a deliberate selection. In conclusion, based on the empiricism collected, we can establish that social workers' individual perception of risk signals rests on an academic discipline, continuing education, collaboration and practical experience. Two of the interviewees also stated that a gut feeling was a contributing factor. The interviewees point out that it is rarely possible to distinguish a particular risk signal, but when multiple risk signals emerge, the risk is all the higher. However, the interviewees specify that drug abuse and non-functioning schooling are prominent for many of the young people who are at risk. It is also clear that the management is initially based on relationship-building measures, voluntarily and with increasing risks, the management increases to more serious or coercive measures