Families, Schools and Criminality Prevention (From Preventing Crime and Disorder: Targeting Strategies and Responsibilities, P 385-416, 1996, Trevor Bennett, ed. - See NCJ- 172916)

• NCJ Number: 172918
• Author(s): J Graham; D Utting
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 32 pages
• Sale Source: University of Cambridge
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Research on the relationship between families and crime is summarized, several family-based initiatives shown to be effective in preventing criminality are described, a tiered approach to family-based criminality prevention is presented, and research on school-based interventions is reviewed.

Abstract

Criminological studies conducted over a considerable period of time in western societies have consistently identified a range of family-based factors that are linked to increased offending risk. Evidence indicates children who begin their criminal careers at an early age are more likely to commit serious crimes and persist in criminal activities than those who start later. Other research shows the early onset of offending is strongly related to troublesome behavior during childhood. The principal correlates of crime, however, are not necessarily the causes of crime, and research indicates effective criminality prevention needs to focus on children, families, and schools. A three-tiered approach to family-based interventions is outlined: (1) universal services, available to every family and child; (2) neighborhood services, targeting high-crime areas and social disadvantage; and (3) preservation services, including intensive preventive work with children and families who have come to the attention of official agencies. Research also demonstrates schools play an important role in socializing young people, and project evaluations show the "whole school" approach to reducing juvenile delinquency and improving school-based outcomes is the most promising. Benefits of schools and families working together are discussed. 94 references