25 young people (14-29 years-old) were inquired. 

The majority of the respondent was between 18 and 25 years old (11 were 18-21 and 7 were 22-25). 45% of respondents were women. 

More than the majority of the inquired (60%) agreed that youth crime is a problem in Vietnam, 28% considered that it might be an issue, while only 8% respondents were thinking that youth crime is not a problem at all in the country. 

According to the youths inquired, the crimes which are most often committed by youth in Vietnam are disturbances to public order, thefts, and murder. 

Concerning the encounters with young delinquents, only (32%) indicated that they have personally met young offenders and 24% were not sure.

When asked about their opinion regarding such people, 48% of the Vietnamese youth  agreed to the quote that “they are the same young people as others, they simply just have been less lucky in life”, while 32% tend to be neutral.

The survey also contained a question regarding the possible difficulties encountered by young ex-offenders when released to freedom. The most popular answer groups were “non-acceptance by society” and “absence of non-offending friends” (each 84%). Many youngsters also agreed that financial difficulties (60%), and lack of professional skills (56%) are among the major issues faced by youngsters leaving the detention facility. 

A question was asked about the means that could help reduce juvenile delinquency. Support for the families at risk was chosen by 68% of respondents. Also, they indicated support at school and prevention programs (each 60%). However, only 40% of youngsters agreed that integration of young ex-offenders through youth work activities could help, and 56% was not sure. 

12 inquired youngsters were part of various youth organizations and as such, were asked how they would feel about young ex-offenders joining their organisation. A majority would accept but remain cautious, 16% would be happy about it, but 8% are against the idea. 

However, 48% would be interested in joining social events with young ex-offenders.

Those 48% were asked to which activities they would like to participate:

• sport activities 
• tabletop evening
• pop quizzes
• talent show
• informal conversations (40%)
• art activities
• employment simulation
• volunteering (44%)
• educational workshops (44%)
• entertainment activities
  

Regarding the 8% who would not be interested in participate in social events with young offenders, 20% were afraid they would lack communication skills with young delinquents and 16% indicated “fear of offenders). 

Concerning their motivation to get involve in such activities together with young convicts, 40% indicated they were curious to get to know young offenders, and 40% also pinpointed their willingness in helping this group in society. 28% mentioned that this would allow themselves to develop new skills.

24 youth workers in Vietnam were inquired about possible integration of young ex-offenders through youth work activities. 

In Vietnam, most of the inquired youth workers had between 2 and 3 years experience in the field, 54 % of them were working in NGOs and 25% in informal groups. 

Most of them were working with young people in general, while others were dealing with youth with fewer opportunities (economic, educational etc) and youth with disabilities. 29% had already had work experience with ex-offenders. 

Only 46% of respondents agreed that youth delinquency is a problem nowadays in Vietnam. The remaining part answered “maybe”, and 16% considered it not to be an issue. Accordingly, 66 % agreed that the involvement of youngsters with criminal past in youth work activities could help their reintegration back to the society and reduce the risk of recidivism. (29 % marked “maybe”). 

The YW were asked how they would feel about young ex-offenders joining their organisations. 45% agreed that some preparation would be needed, 29% would be happy to welcome them. No one voted for “no”. 

The majority of YW indicated that the main pro to involve this group of people in youth work activities would be to facilitate the integration of youngster who has been released to freedom (91%). 87% of YW also agreed that it would improve their (as youth workers’) skills. More than half of YW also agreed that it would be an impactful tool to reduce reoffending, by providing a good environment for young ex-offenders. . 

When it comes to concerns regarding working with young ex-offenders,  54 % YW were thinking about possible difficult youngster’s adaptation in the organization, and 45% of the inquired mentioned lack of competence on how to work and interact with these people. 41 % mentioned the fact that young delinquents might not be interested in the organization’s activities. Insecurity was also among the options chosen by YW. 

In relation to this, when asked what would facilitate the beginning of involvement of young ex-offender in youth work activities, the majority (87 %) mentioned special methodology  designed for youth workers on how to include these people, as well as special training on that (75%). A majority of 58% YW also agreed that special online platform, through which young ex-delinquents could find their organization, would be also helpful. Finally, 45% mentioned that additional financial resources would be beneficial.