Wiley, Children & Society, 1(27), p. 60-71, 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1099-0860.2011.00372.x
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This article uses a qualitative approach to elicit the views of 31 professionals who provide services to vulnerable young men. The findings reveal six key themes following focus group interviews: (i) the importance of masculinity in explaining problematic behaviour; (ii) the mis-use of alcohol and drugs; (iii) alienation and social isolation; (iv) concerns about suicide and self-harm; (v) the quality of existing services; and (vi) recommendations for changes to services. Service providers generally acknowledged the social context in explaining these behaviours and argued for enhanced services and a more developed skills base in working with vulnerable young men. Ó 2011 The Author(s). Children & Society Ó 2011 National Children's Bureau and Blackwell Publishing Limited.