NCJ Number
92324
Date Published
1980
Length
22 pages
Annotation
The addresses and workshop programs from this British seminar identify some of the factors in juvenile delinquency and outline some of the programs used with youth at risk, including family counseling, weekend residential programming, organized recreation, social development programs, and youth employment services.
Abstract
The opening address for the seminar uses the town of Kirkby as a case study of how a community develops criminogenic influences and what steps might be taken to counter these influences. One workshop focused on a family intermediate treatment program designed to enhance positive communication among all family members, and another project described is a pilot scheme which aims to provide an alternative to full-time residential care. A residential program is structured only for a weekend period, including such activities as gymnastics, outdoor games, farming activities, and visits to places of interest. Other programs considered in the workshops were organized recreation for children 5-15 years-old, intensive group work designed to achieve personal growth and development, personal achievement and community service awards, community alternatives to custodial sentences for youth, and services to prepare youth for work and improve their chances of obtaining and keeping jobs. Conclusions from group discussions are summarized. They include (1) the need for cooperation and coordination of agencies, (2) greater specialization by community agencies to provide a battery of nonduplicative services, (3) greater emphasis on and use of volunteers, and (4) greater use of school personnel and other school resources in working with at-risk youth.