Effective Youth Violence Prevention (From Violence in Homes and Communities: Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment, P 207-244, 1999, Thomas P. Gullotta and Sandra J. McElhaney, eds. -- See NCJ-182594)

• NCJ Number: 182599
• Author(s): Daniel J. Flannery; Laura Williams
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 38 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter describes effective youth violence prevention strategies.

Abstract

Any definition of youth violent behavior must consider violence along a continuum of behavior within a developmental framework. Considering violent behavior along a developmental continuum permits examination of how different forms of violence exposure and victimization affect children at different ages, at different developmental levels, and how children are challenged to meet various developmental tasks. These issues are essential to the implementation of effective prevention strategies. Principles and guidelines to consider when implementing a violence prevention strategy include: (1) Violence is learned behavior; (2) Start early; (3) Make interventions developmentally appropriate; (4) Effective prevention is systematic and long term; (5) Focus on increasing social competence, problem solving and prosocial behavior; (6) Alter the environment; (7) Be comprehensive, intensive, and flexible; (8) Increase children’s attachment to school; (9) Take into account the impact of victimization; (10) Evaluate the program’s effectiveness; (11) Involve others; (12) Integrate school-based programs into other school activities; (13) Involve peers; and (14) Be hopeful and model the hopefulness to children. Figure, table, references