NCJ Number
229323
Date Published
2008
Length
81 pages
Annotation
This is the British Home Office's 2008 Youth Crime Action Plan, which is a comprehensive, cross-government analysis of additional action that should be taken to counter youth crime.
Abstract
The plan focuses on enforcement and punishment that sets clear boundaries for youths' behavior that victimizes others and that holds youth accountable for the suffering and adversity they cause others. In this regard, the plan has already implemented clear boundaries on knife-carrying, youth alcohol use, drug use, and antisocial behavior. The plan also specifies crime prevention measures that address the root causes of crime. Actions focus on unemployment, increasing opportunities for youth to develop knowledge and skills needed for employment and positive adjustment, and providing early identification of and appropriate intervention for children and youth at risk for developing unlawful behaviors. The plan provides non-negotiable intervention for families with children and youth at greatest risk for serious offending. The plan recognizes that only a small percentage of youth (approximately 5 percent) are responsible for over half of youth crime. The plan aims to identify these youth for early intervention that addresses the root causes of their problematic behavior. This includes supporting and challenging their parents to fulfill their parenting responsibilities. The Action Plan proposes services to youth and their families that involve a consistent approach to assessment, early identification, and targeted support. This strategy envisions involving schools, health services, specialist services, sharing information, and working cooperatively for the benefit of youth at risk. Immediate action is proposed for addressing weapons, antisocial behavior, the expansion of youth centers, police-school cooperation, increasing parenting orders, community involvement in reparations, and specialized strategies for countering youth gangs. The plan also addresses ways to improve support services for youth who are crime victims. Appended outline of the plan and implementation strategies