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Making Sense of Prevention - A Conceptual Framework

NCJ Number
100731
Journal
New Designs for Youth Development Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (July-August 1985) Pages: 13-20
Author(s)
J Pransky
Date Published
1985
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Based on a research review, this article presents a conceptual framework for juvenile delinquency prevention and proposes a plan for community delinquency prevention.
Abstract
Juveniles are continually exposed to stimuli through cultural expectations, the social structure as perceived opportunity or lack thereof, the social environment as stressors, and organic factors which become problems. The social institutions which filter these stimuli are the family, the school, the peer group, and the community. These institutions prepare juveniles to deal with various stimuli through the development of healthy self-perceptions and life skills. An effective community prevention strategy must include school environment improvement, parent skills and support development, constructive peer influence, a kindergarten through 12 grade health education curriculum, support groups for high-risk children, respite day care coupled with parent supports, emergency crisis services, early childhood education, prebirth and postbirth care, and constructive alternatives for juveniles. 2 figures and 13 references.