Generating ideas

The next stage involves generating ideas on how to tackle both the risk factors associated with preventing youth offending and any specific behaviour problems identified.

When considering interventions for tackling children and youth offending, Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnerships are advised that to be effective the problem needs to be addressed as a whole. Addressing any part of the problem in isolation will not provide a long-term solution. Tough enforcement action will not decrease offending behaviour unless linked to effective prevention. Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnerships are therefore recommended to produce and implement strategies and action plans based on:

• The swift administration of justice so that every young person accused of breaking the law has the matter resolved without delay.

• Confronting young offenders with the consequences of their offending, for themselves and their family, their victims and the community and helping them to develop a sense of personal responsibility.

• Intervention which tackles the particular factors (personal, family, social, educational or health) that puts the young person at risk of offending and which strengthens protective factors.

• Punishment proportionate to the seriousness and persistence of the offending.

• Encouraging reparation to victims by young offenders.

• Reinforcing the responsibilities of parents.