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National Evaluation of the Youth Justice Board's Crime Prevention Projects

NCJ Number
212202
Author(s)
Helen Powell
Date Published
2004
Length
46 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from the national evaluation of 16 juvenile crime prevention projects funded by Great Britain's Youth Justice Board.
Abstract
Six projects that supported precourt and court dispositions provided a range of interventions for first-time and habitual offenders. Seven diversionary projects were either school-based initiatives or involved work with youth at risk of offending. The three other projects developed and coordinated multiagency partnerships that targeted juvenile crime. Risk factors for the youth involved in the programs were type of lifestyle, family environment, patterns of thinking and behavior, poor school performance, and employment needs. The types of interventions used by the programs included attendance at an interactive safety center, community reparation, educational and employment support, anger management, and recreational activities. A comparison of conviction rates a year before and a year after interventions showed a decline of 26 percent. For 39 percent of the youth, the mean severity score for reoffending decreased after intervention. Most of the youth served were satisfied with the services provided, and positive feedback was provided from stakeholders. Factors in effective program development were the use of a multiagency steering group, the establishment of objectives and protocols before beginning the program, the use of structured but flexible programs tailored to identified risk factors in each youth's life, the use of a combination of structured and recreational components, and the selection and training of staff based on program objectives and components. Also, regular meetings that involved the various stakeholders contributed to high levels of appropriate referrals. Appended methodology for the reconviction study, monitoring and evaluation requirements, and a four-item bibliography