ABSTRACT
Three different responses are made to the referrals of three delinquents to a specialist clinic. Their histories are explored – very early pre-verbal trauma, violence and sadistic abuse feature – and the defence of delinquency is seen as such, a defence. The role of the environment in its availability to support is considered and the tendency of those both working with such young people and those in positions of legislative power to respond with the need to act against them, to do, and so adopt the young person’s defence, is considered. Psychotherapists are urged to show greater bravery, to advocate on behalf of delinquent youth and to offer understanding and recommendations. A Winnicottian understanding of delinquency is offered, where it links to deprivation, and there is also comment on his earlier position in relation to delinquency and primary privation.
