NCJ Number
214196
Date Published
1998
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This document describes the ways in which various services, agencies, and individuals who work with children and youth in England and Wales can prevent them from committing crimes.
Abstract
The guidance and practices presented have the support of all government departments responsible for serving children and youth who have offended or are at risk of offending. It also has the support of the key national associations and societies that represent youth workers, as well as the chairperson of the new Youth Justice Board for England and Wales. Six objectives are specified for delinquency prevention. One objective is the swift administration of justice, so that every juvenile accused of breaking the law has the matter resolved without delay. A second objective is to confront young offenders with the consequences of their offending for themselves, their family, their victims, and the community, thus helping them to develop a sense of responsibility. The third objective is to provide intervention that addresses the specific factors (personal, family, social, educational, or health) that underlie the offending behavior while strengthening protective factors. A fourth objective is to provide punishment proportionate to the seriousness and persistence of the offending. A fifth objective is to encourage reparation to victims by young offenders; and the sixth objective of a crime prevention scheme is to reinforce the responsibilities of parents. Provisions in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, combined with existing powers, provide a new framework for action in achieving delinquency prevention through these six objectives. Delinquency prevention is facilitated by local multiagency working; efficient, fair, and effective precourt procedures; court proceedings; effective intervention; supervision and enforcement; national leadership; and the monitoring of policy implementation. Appended youth justice services and youth justice legislation, guidance, and publications