Prevention Science Framework Aimed at Delinquency (From UNAFEI Annual Report for 2000 and Resource Material Series No. 59, P 183-194, 2002, -- See NCJ-200221)

• NCJ Number: 200231
• Author(s): Tracy W. Harachi Ph.D.
• Date Published: October 2002
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: Japan

Annotation

This document discusses a framework for crime prevention aimed at delinquency.

Abstract

A new classification scheme for prevention illustrates different types of prevention strategies. These three types are universal, selective, and indicated prevention. Universal prevention includes those strategies that should benefit the general population. An example in the area of dental health is the addition of fluoride into drinking water. Selective prevention strategies target populations at higher risk of developing a disorder. An example is a prenatal program targeting low-income mothers that are higher risk for low birth-weight infants. Indicated prevention strategies target populations that already demonstrate early or initial symptoms of the disorder. Universal strategies reflect the earliest prevention component in the continuum of care model followed by selective strategies. Prevention science draws in principle from a public health model. The pubic health model can be used in the area of delinquency prevention and begin by defining the problem. A growing body of research has identified a number of risk factors associated with delinquency, and other adolescent problem behaviors. Risk factors reside in multiple domains ranging from community level, school, family, individual, and peer. Communities and program providers should develop a logic model that uses the public health framework. A logic model becomes a road map to specify the distal target of efforts, in this case, the reduction in juvenile delinquency. It specifies the proximal targets for intervention efforts, the risk factors that must be reduced, and the protective factors that will be enhanced. The logic model provides a guide to select appropriate preventive intervention programs that will target initially the proximal goals and in the long run prevent delinquency. Identifying risk and protective factors associated with delinquency and other problem behaviors among adolescents provides modifiable targets for preventive interventions that compliment treatment. These preventive efforts provide both a cost savings and greater efficiency in preventing negative life course trajectories. 3 references, appendix