NCJ Number
159709
Journal
Youth Today Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: (May-June 1995) Pages: 34-36
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A 2-year study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice provides the basis for a comprehensive violence prevention strategy that is superior to a programmatic approach; the research findings also indicate the inadequacies of many of the youth violence prevention programs currently in operation.
Abstract
Many existing programs offer quick and easy responses that address parental concerns about their children's exposure to violence. However, these programs either have not existed long enough or have never been evaluated rigorously enough for their proponents to make any valid claims about their effectiveness. Among the programs lacking impact data are signed pledges, violence prevention curricula, conflict resolution classes, peer mediation programs, juvenile shock incarceration programs, wilderness camps, and metal detectors. However, researchers are discovering that, unlike some social programs, youth violence requires a broad approach consisting of several coordinated programs instead of a single solution. In addition, it must include early intervention for preschool children in targeted risk groups to teach social and study skills; family counseling and parent education; and job training and job placement for adolescents. The research also reveals that behavior management programs that feature role playing instead of counseling and simulate problem situations and strategies for dealing with them have been much more effective than talk therapies and counseling aimed at developing self-esteem. Two promising programs are Henggeler's Multisystemic Therapy approach to treating serious juvenile offenders and Seattle's Communities that Care model developed by David Hawkins of the University of Washington. Lists of violence prevention resources and programs