Delinquency Prevention Through Alternative Education (From Youth Crime, Social Control and Prevention, P 92-100, 1984, M Brusten et al, ed. See NCJ-97757)

• NCJ Number: 97763
• Author(s): P C Friday
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: West Germany (Former)

Annotation

This paper cites studies which indicate that low This paper cites studies which indicate that low academic achievement is directly related to delinquent behavior and that school performance is dependent upon both the child's home and neighborhood influences; also discussed is a delinquency prevention project designed to facilitate institutional and organizational interaction as well as positive social relationships.

Abstract

In one study, delinquency was uniformly low among boys of all social classes who were doing well in school and uniformly high for all who were doing poorly. Also, international studies indicate that school influence is an important factor in delinquency, because it is both a socializing and integrating element and ultimately the source of economic rewards. Some researchers suggest that the family, school, community, work, and peer group interactions must be considered as a whole. These types of activities and groups tend to reinforce conforming norms and exert informal social control. Although most delinquency prevention models have not reflected contemporary theory and research, the Kalamazoo project (begun in 1981) does. The project was designed in the belief that individuals interact with socializing institutions. The general objective is to establish and maintain positive role relationships within the youth's total pattern of family, school, community, work, and peer interaction. Project components include curriculum, student involvement, and school/community interaction. Among the key project elements are small program size and low student/adult ratio. One figure and 38 references are included.