Prevention and Reduction: A review of strategies for intervening early to prevent or reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour

There have been a number of recent publications highlighting some of the inherent failures of the current system for dealing with youth crime and anti-social behaviour in England. Most notable are concerns regarding the levels of expenditure on enforcement, courts and the use of prisons. Despite a recent fall in youth imprisonment it still remains substantially higher than 20 years ago.

This review is aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the key characteristics of what works in terms of early interventions to prevent or reduce youth crime or anti-social behaviour. By drawing on evidence from the international literature, primarily the US where the evidence base is especially strong, this review is able to provide a critical evaluation of youth crime interventions in England, where the scientific evidence is less robust.

This collation of the best evidence and expert opinion will support the development of the strongest and most promising approaches. At the same time it identifies gaps in the evidence and makes recommendations for further research.

This report was written through the Centre for the Analysis of Youth Transitions (CAYT). A repository of CAYT impact studies is hosted by Mentor-Adepis (Alcohol and Drug Education and Prevention Information Service).