NCJ Number
153371
Date Published
1995
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This report examines empirical research regarding the efficacy of programs such as family therapy, recreation and midnight sports leagues, and school-based conflict resolution in preventing or reducing juvenile delinquent behavior.
Abstract
The evidence suggests that experts can identify risk factors early in life which allows agencies to address the underlying conditions that predispose some youths to delinquent behavior; that tougher law enforcement and sanctions are unlikely to reduce crime significantly; and that various youth-oriented prevention strategies have proven track records in reducing criminal, delinquent, and predelinquent behavior in adolescents at risk. Types of prevention strategies that have been most effective include community-wide prevention initiatives, multidimensional violence prevention in schools, and recreation programs. While these programs might prevent delinquency, other approaches are needed to help youth who are already involved in the criminal justice system. Promising strategies include family therapy and cognitive training; other strategies such as school-based conflict resolution, peer mediation, and gang prevention efforts, have not yet been subjected to rigorous evaluation. 183 notes and 1 appendix