) Are interventions with children and adolescents who are at risk of future offending effective? Discuss.
The effectiveness of interventions in childhood and adolescence at risk of future offending has been widely researched field. This essay will begin with an initial overview of relevant definitions and key terms, then outline the risk and protective factors that influence child and adolescent trajectory into adult offending behaviour. Specific interventions will be then be discussed and supported by research studies that support the argument that interventions with children and adolescent’s reduce risks factors, promote protective factors and effectively reduce the propensity for at-risk youth to develop adult offending behaviours. This essay will explore several intervention programs and using evidence from empirical studies to support the argument that interventions with at-risk children and adolescents can prevent future adult offending. their families, and the greater community. The body of the essay will discuss interventions internationally and within
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Individual risk variables include developmental and learning delays, poor problem-solving skills, and cognitive deficits. Familial factors include socioeconomic disadvantage, family conflict, low parental education levels, and inadequate parenting skills such as harsh discipline and parental disengagement. Scholastic risk factors involve low levels of educational attainment and an inability to adhere to rules and regulations in a school environment. Risk factors on a social/peer level include rejection by peer groups, social isolation, and involvement with antisocial or delinquent peers. Community risk factors include high rates of crime, remoteness, and poverty (Briody et al., 2003; Yoshikawa,