How to Crack Down on Youth Crime
- 1). Focus on organized crime and gangs. Young people go through a stage where their peer group is all important. This peer group can be a good influence or a bad one. Socio-economic and family problems may mean it much more likely that a young person is likely to become a gang member. Support local initiatives to replace poor peer groups with more supportive ones, such as dance groups and sport teams.
- 2). Intervene early if a child is getting in trouble. Early misdemeanors tend to escalate. Teachers and youth workers often see the early signs. Many boys, in particular, lack good adult male role models. Support initiatives encouraging young boys to spend quality time with older males who can guide them and be a good example.
- 3). Deal with children and young people who get involved with crime carefully. In the 1990s in a bid to crack down hard on youth crime there was a move to treat young people as adults within the criminal justice system. There is some retreat from this position, as adult prisons often act as a training ground for young offenders. Intervene with a more rehabilitative approach concentrating on improving social skills, coping skills and education opportunities.
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