Youth crime is a significant problem in areas of socio-economic deprivation, particularly amongst young people who have been excluded from school.   Reasons given for offending are material gain, excitement, enjoyment and the relief of boredom.   Factors having an influence on youth crime are poor education levels, inadequate parenting, social deprivation, drug abuse, peer influence, and no clear message that crime and anti-social behaviour is unacceptable.

Looks at the nature and causes of youth crime and reviews offender based interventions, focusing on the case study areas of Bradford and East Brighton. Discusses problems encountered in implementing the projects to date and preliminary results achieved. Points to key lessons learnt and offers a checklist for those considering tackling youth crime difficulties using these types of programme.

Youth Inclusion Projects, for 13-16 year olds, use a variety of activities which divert young people from crime such as sports, physical recreation, after school activities, holidays and skills development. Participation is voluntary. The Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme is targeted at young offenders at high risk of re-offending and consists of a tailored programme for each participant which could include education and training, restorative treatment, behaviour changing, interpersonal skills and family support. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts are voluntary agreements which are flexible in terms of content and format. They are used with 10-18 year olds.

The case studies have provided some early evidence of success and an insight into problems encountered. The Youth Inclusion Programme seems to have an effect on the behaviour of young people and helps reduce their arrest rate. The Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme in Bradford NDC reduced the number of offences by 37% over a 12 month period. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts in East Brighton are viewed as being an effective way of engaging young people and families and preventing further offending.

Young people aged between 10 and 18 and also the communities in which they live.

The Youth Inclusion Programme receives at least £150,000 per year for each project to fund its activities.  Offender based programmes may require input from a variety of agencies and partners.  Programmes such as the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme, being targeted at the highest offenders, requires much resource because of its one-to-one nature.

Youth Justice Board
Phone: +44 20 7271 3033
enquiries@yjb.gsi.gov.uk

01/01/2000

01/05/2003

case

Urban Policy > Security & crime prevention > Anti-crime policy

Youth crime