Training needs of juvenile justice operators working with young muslims in Italy: a Sicilian case study

Abstract

Purpose The main aim of the study is to identify the training needs of juvenile justice professionals working with Muslim minors and young people. The Italian juvenile justice system faces numerous challenges in protecting the well-being of young people of Islamic faith under its care. These individuals, often subjected to psychological violence due to the double stigma of being both immigrants and Muslims, may experience low levels of well-being. Combined with the psychological stress of arrest and detention, this can increase their vulnerability. In the absence of adequate protective factors, these conditions may facilitate a path toward criminal careers, from which disengagement is particularly difficult. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire was administered to 74 helping professionals (50% response rate) operating in custodial and non-custodial facilities of the Juvenile Justice Center of Sicily Region (Italy), who work with young people and young adults of Islamic faith. Findings Nearly half of operators (45.9%) self-reported poor or sufficient multicultural competences. The most critical training needs identified were intercultural communication (73%), psychological support (68%) and intercultural approaches (68%). Language barriers and ethnic prejudice emerged as the primary challenges for young Muslims (76% each), followed by cultural identity issues (57%). Operators reported limited access to cultural mediators (mentioned by 75.5% as a barrier) and insufficient collaboration with local Islamic associations. Only 20.3% of respondents indicated adequate institutional provisions for religious practices (halal food, prayer spaces and spiritual care). Research limitations/implications The study’s findings were not nationally representative. Juvenile justice in Italy varies significantly between regions due to differences in available resources and the specific characteristics of migration flows. However, Sicily hosts four of Italy’s 17 juvenile detention facilities and serves as a primary entry point for migration flows from Africa. Furthermore, while sharing fundamental principles with other European countries, the Italian system has distinctive features that make international comparisons challenging. Practical implications Based on the findings, the Universities of Padua, Verona, Bari and Palermo, together with the Department of Juvenile and Community Justice, signed a letter of intent in February 2025 to define collaboration modalities and initiate an operational agreement. Such initiatives can serve as protective factors for young Muslims’ well-being, fostering individualized interventions and integrated support. Originality/value This contribution provides a snapshot of the training needs of practitioners working with Muslim young people. At present, there are no other similar studies in Italy; in fact, it has also been authorized by the Department of Juvenile and Community Justice, which is headquartered in Rome (Italy).