NCJ Number
91419
Date Published
1983
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This presentation discusses the theory of delinquency used to develop juvenile delinquency prevention programs at a number of selected sites throughout the country and describes the selection and implementation of program components derived from the theory, with particular attention to the program in Seattle, Wash.; preliminary evaluation findings are presented.
Abstract
The social development model was used as the theoretical base for the development of the delinquency prevention programs. This theory holds that a child's social development is most powerfully affected by the character of the bonds established with the family, school, peers, and neighborhood. The bonds with these groups are viewed as enhancing social development when they are characterized by positive affective attachments, rewarding behavior producing commitment, and an internalization of norms and rules growing from a sense of being treated fairly. Self-report delinquency studies were found to support the social development theory. In Seattle, a comprehensive delinquency prevention program was developed that focused upon the development of positive attachments within the family, school, community, and among peers. In each program component, attention is being given to the provision of opportunities, the development of skills that will permit the use of selected opportunities, the reinforcement of positive behaviors, and involvement in socializing contexts. The program elements focus on both the general juvenile population and juvenile populations residing in high-crime areas. The evaluation findings, which are derived from measurements of experimental and control groups, are tentative (the program has been operating only 1 year), but the findings suggest significant positive differences in the experimental groups when compared to control groups.