This article is a short review of art therapy for adolescents who have presented with offending behaviourand how this modality can assist vulnerable youth. The article describes in brief a case that was managed in the context of an art therapy service within the UK National Health Service, Child and Adolescent Mental Health. It touches on anger, acting out, difficult behaviour, the impact of early experience and how art therapy can help young people to regain self-esteem and explore relationship skills, among other benefits, thus reducing the likelihood of delinquent behaviour and improving their conduct.

Key words: serious and multiple stressors, anger, attachment, delinquency, self-esteem, art therapy