The therapeutic implications of locking up children^*

The number of juveniles admitted to secure institutions has increased considerably during the last decade. The reasons for this are complex. While there are long historical antecedents for such interventions, there is also clear evidence that our approach to difficult adolescents has become less benign. The therapeutic implications of placing young people in security are discussed in relation to the clients themselves, to their care givers and to the wider provision of services for troubled juveniles.