NCJ Number
148707
Date Published
1993
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the design of the National Evaluation of Youth Crime Prevention in Australia and discusses some of the major themes that arise from analysis of evaluation data obtained to date.
Abstract
The project sites involved in the evaluation are being subjected to both process and impact evaluation. Process evaluation requires a detailed analysis that explains how projects were planned and operated during the 12-month funding period. The impact evaluation is focusing on the extent to which projects prevent youth crime, the extent to which participation in project activities changes juveniles' attitudes and behaviors, and the extent to which projects alter staff attitudes toward juveniles and contribute to changes in organizational practices. Some evaluation findings thus far show that crime prevention projects attract more male than female participants, suggesting that crime prevention must be included within the broader objectives of social development for all juveniles. Another indication from the findings is that Aboriginal rights require persistent reaffirmation by both government and community agencies. Projects that are well marketed attract greater community support. In the view of the authors, the evaluation shows that enhancement of the social development of juveniles is the single most important element of delinquency prevention. Integral to this concept is community development. This focus requires institutional changes rather than behavioral management. 4 references