The half-day seminar formed part of a larger study: Children in need, their needs and services.

Different themes emerged from the study, namely the role of assessment of young people and the importance of training personnel who come into contact with people with antisocial behaviour.

Other issues relating to health, education and risk factors – which often confront young people – emerged as relevant points and were discussed in detail.

The half-day seminar was aimed at achieving a better understanding of the risk factors contributing to the development of criminal behaviour by young people and to gaining a deeper insight into the personal experiences of young offenders and their families.

Following the initial presentation, workshop discussions took place in an effort to discuss and analyse issues that arose from the study. The workshop was also used to gauge feedback from people in the field to recommend policy, practice and procedure to enhance the existing services and to suggest other effective alternatives.

Participants discussed strategies to prevent youngsters from adopting and developing criminal behaviour, the current approach to treatment and ways to promote the pro-social development of young offenders.

Appogg generic and community services manager Catherine Fleri Soler said that various agencies were working together in the best interests of young people with antisocial behaviour.

She said further consolidation of the services will continue, with particular emphasis on collaboration with Sedqa, the Youth and Education Ministry and various NGOs.

Ms Fleri Soler called for commitment from everyone to continue working together in the best interests of young people.

Children’s Commissioner Sonia Camilleri said her role stipulated that she needed to ensure that the concerns of people under the age of 18 are highlighted and that their needs are met.

She said: “It is worrying that children turn to criminal behaviour, but on the other hand, it is positive that through studies, the issue has been put on the national agenda.”