Saving Children from a Life of Crime Early Risk Factors and Effective Interventions

David P. Farrington, Brandon Welsh, David P. (Professor of Psychological Criminology Farrington, Institute of Criminology Professor of Psychological Criminology Institute of Criminology Cambridge University), Professor of Criminal Justice Brandon C Welsh, Brandon C. (Assistant Professor Welsh, Department of Criminal Justice Assistant Professor Department of Criminal Justice University of Massachusetts Lowell) — 2007

A great deal is known about the early risk factors for offending. High impulsiveness, low attainment, criminal parents, parental conflict, and growing up in a deprived, high-crime neighborhood are among the most important factors. There is also a growing body of high quality scientific evidence on the effectiveness of early prevention programs designed to prevent children from embarking on a life of crime. The authors review the data on early causes of offending and what works best to prevent it. Preschool intellectual enrichment, child skills training, parent management training, and home visiting programs are among the most effective early prevention programs. They also outline a policy strategy early prevention. This is based on current research that lays the groundwork for a comprehensive national prevention strategy to save children from a life of crime.