ABSTRACT
Early intervention rests on a belief that children and young people are not ‘fully formed’ individuals. As such they are more susceptible to influences – both positive and negative – that will impact on their behaviour. Early intervention can also be based on a holistic approach to need. Addressing problems of social disadvantage such as poverty and family disruption can help to provide a wide range of benefits, including crime prevention, given what is known about the precursors of subsequent offending behaviour (Farrington 1996). Therefore, investment in appropriate interventions is expected to offer positive returns by ‘nipping offending in the bud’. There has been some evidence to support this argument – for example, the HighScope/Perry Pre-school programme in the USA appeared to lead to long-term social benefits, including reduced levels of subsequent criminality.
