Investing in Early Life to Prevent Crime: The Opportunities and the Challenges (From Reducing Criminality--Partnerships and Best Practices, P 1-6, 2000, Adam Graycar, ed. -- See NCJ-186333)

• NCJ Number: 186335
• Author(s): Jann Marshall
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This paper demonstrates that multiple influences and factors contribute to the development and maintenance of behavior problems in young children.

Abstract

The paper uses data from longitudinal studies to show that multiple influences and factors contribute to the development and maintenance of behavior problems in young children, factors such as poor quality parent-child interaction, child abuse and neglect, family discord, and high levels of family stress and poverty. Three inter-related adaptive protective factors can help counter the negative factors: strong relationships with caring, prosocial adults; social and emotional competence; and good cognitive functioning. The paper reviews prevention intervention strategies with a focus on successful programs from the antenatal period to early adolescence, mainly up to the age of 8 years, so that interventions can be implemented before serious behaviors, which may include delinquency and criminality, are firmly set. The paper suggests that these data should be used to guide the decisions necessary to ensure the well-being of children, families, and communities. Notes