Hopeful Diversions: Youth Intervention Programs and their Potential for Preventing Delinquency and Crime

Abstract

Given the seriousness of the problem, it is surprising that most of the money and effort devoted to addressing it has been restricted to a narrow range of remedies with much of the attention on the incarceration of persons who have already committed crimes. Significantly less consideration has been given to diverting individuals from committing crimes in the first place. This paper initially examines some of the theories on the causes of crime, and why U.S. crime tends to be most prevalent in disadvantaged urban neighborhoods (Reid, 2003). Then I attempt to determine whether some alternative crime remedies would be effective in high-risk communities. My research question seeks to explore the effects of three types social interventions directed toward high-risk youths: early childhood development programs, formal after-school programs, and community recreation centers. I review important findings from previous literature and provide case studies of specific intervention programs which are already publicly implemented and can be replicated and expanded to other locations. Crime in disadvantaged urban neighborhoods is a complex phenomenon that stems from many conditions, including economic, psychological, and environmental factors, which are often interrelated in these communities. Social intervention programs for at-risk youth that are designed to divert some of the risk-factors (discussed in the following section) for crime may have the potential to significantly reduce delinquency and crime. This paper strives to shed more light on this connection and its findings may inspire further research and better public policies. [From Introduction]