NCJ Number
148675
Date Published
1993
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This address describes the efforts of South Australia to develop comprehensive, community-based juvenile delinquency prevention programs.
Abstract
The South Australian Crime Prevention Strategy has completed the third year of its 5-year implementation phase. At the end of 5 years, the program will be evaluated. The program's philosophy is that juvenile crime can only be prevented through a broad-based community effort that focuses on the specific juvenile delinquency factors in each community. Following a review of the current status of juvenile crime in South Australia, this address reviews the structure of crime prevention efforts. Part of the strategy has consisted of the development of 22 crime-prevention committees throughout the State. Each of these committees, composed of a cross-section of the community, has been designing and implementing community crime prevention plans that target the specific problems that contribute to crime in its jurisdiction. The State's Crime Prevention Unit, in one of its exemplary projects, is profiling young offenders so as to develop intervention strategies tailored to various types of young offenders. Some apparently successful projects in various communities include the diversion of young offenders to such constructive activities as service clubs, camping, hiking, fishing, arts and crafts, and community improvements; a program to help young traffic offenders in the development of their mechanical and driving skills as well as participation in supervised car-racing programs; and the diversion of youth involved in illegal graffiti into paid projects that use their artistic skills. The juvenile justice system has also enhanced its options for holding juvenile offenders accountable for their destructive behaviors. Restitution and community service are frequently used, and in the case of recidivist offenders, detention is being increasingly used. 6 references