Crime has increased over the last decade in our country. The crime rate not only has risen, but the number of crimes committed by juveniles has increased. In order to reduce the crime rate amongst society is to get a head start on early intervention. “One way would be to visit children who are in elementary school, and spread the information of what crime is, and how not to end up involved in it” . Kids who are made aware of the dangers of crime are more apt to stay away from criminal activity. The reason for discussing crime prevention with children at such an early age is to make them aware of the dangers they could face as they get older. Crime is occurring in younger adolescents, and prevention is important for the future of our country.
Intervention programs are available in middle school and high school for the kids who are older and may be more aware of criminal activity within their peers. Focusing on all age groups of crime prevention may not help every person become crime free, but it may help reduce the crime rate in adolescents and young adults.
Early intervention resources are a good start to helping juveniles get the help they need before escalating into an adult criminal. There is also programs to help parents assist with intervention or their kids, and to help ensure they do not continue on the path of crime. Drug courts and therapy is other treatments that can be utilized as productive resources in treatment plans for juveniles.
The Criminal Justice System needs to make significant changes to deter crime and violent behavior in juveniles and youth. The early intervention is a good place to start but it is important for the system to comprehend the cause of the problems that youth have, and find the triggers that make them offenders. The Criminal Justice System should focus on kids at an early age to prevent or deter them from growing up and becoming adult criminals. Life course criminals are what kids are becoming who continue on the path of crime and destruction.
Reference
Welsh, B. (2007). Scientific Support for Early Prevention of Delinquency and Later Offending, pp. 125-140.
