Appraising options

Once ideas have been generated, the preferred options need to be appraised. This process is critical. To achieve their full potential, the measures introduced need to be based on a clear understanding of:

• WHY they are expected to work (what mechanisms they will use); and

• WHAT needs to happen for them to succeed.

• WHICH risk factors or problem behaviours will be reduced?

• CAN a reasoned explanation of how the chosen interventions are expected to achieve the desired outcomes be provided?

Rigorous option appraisal will help identify the most effective - and cost effective - options. It will also highlight ingredients that are crucial to success when it comes to local implementation. For a systematic map of causes and risk factors associated with persistent youth offending and types of intervention mechanisms see the Conjunction of Criminal Opportunity framework

Options: Checklist

Click here for the chart, which you can use to set out your responses.