NCJ Number
238366
Date Published
March 2011
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report from the Australian Institute of Criminology discusses promising interventions for reducing the over-representation of Indigenous youth in detention.
Abstract
This report discusses various prevention measures that are aimed at reducing the over-representation of Indigenous youth in Australia's juvenile justice system. Primary prevention measures are aimed at reducing offending before it begins and focus on social or situational factors that influence an individual's likelihood of committing a crime. Six programs currently in use in various Australian States and Territories are discussed. Secondary prevention measures are those that are aimed at addressing existing problem behavior. Tertiary prevention measures are aimed at reducing offending by intervening in the lives of known offenders. These measures include the use of multisystemic therapy and restorative justice processes. The paper also identifies features common to successful prevention programs aimed at reducing Indigenous juvenile offending, such as the use of community based strategies, building on existing strengths of individuals, families, and communities, addressing juvenile offending in a holistic way, and addressing juvenile offending through collaborative approaches. The report also identifies strategies that could be used for improving the effectiveness of programs. These strategies include focusing on issues of specific relevance or concern to Indigenous communities; increasing the level of involvement from members of Indigenous communities; establishing intergenerational, family, and cultural support mechanisms within Indigenous communities; and where appropriate, focusing strategies on younger juvenile rather than older ones to maximize the benefits of early intervention. References