Prevention is better than cure . . . ?

Question

I am in the (questionably) priviliged position to have worked with both high risk young offenders (in and out of prison) and in crime prevention work with younger children (8+) . . .

Personally I think prevention of anti-social behaviour and crime in by far more effective than punishing as by then it is too late (I am not saying don't punish by the way!!)

More money is being spent at the higher end of things than in preventative work (it's the same as in social services)

I had some really good answers to my last post on criminal kids, what do you all think of crime prevention work?

(personally I have seen more sucess stories in crime prevention than I ever did in intensive community based orders or custody - especially custody - which is the youth justice systems most expensive intervention by far!)

hunnymonsta
we work with all of the families of children referred to our project they can have a parenting mentor, parent training work, parenting groups, family therapy, family group conferencing or a combination, whatever suits their needs best . . .

Answer 1

Prevention has to be better, and cheaper, than cure. What I find interesting is that you mention working with kids in both pre- and post-crime scenarios. You don't mention parents.

Prevention can only work if it has active and committed support from those with the most contact with pre-crime kids. That's parents usually.

How do parents fit in with what you're doing in the "prevention" arena? How much committed support do you typically find being given by them?

Edit: Thanks for filling in the gaps.

Answer 2

Crime prevention and trying to help the youth before they become offenders is certainly worthwhile. The History channel had a show on yesterday about capital punishment and the evolution of the jail system in the United States and elsewhere. The show seemed to indicate that punishment did not work as effectively as prevention. Jail and capital punishment did not seem to be as effective as a deterrent as previously thought. So perhaps spending tax dollars on prevention would be more beneficial. However, the United States tends to be more reactionary than preventative minded. It would probably take a bit to shift that mode of thinking.

Answer 3

I think Mother Teresa view that the Family as the core of society says it best.

If family values of love, respect & tolerance are taught & a good example set by the parents & elders in a family, i do the world would be a safer place today.

Answer 4

in some cases i agree, but then there are those who go through the motions ,only to avoid jail

Answer 5

of course prevention is the key in all aspects of life.

Answer 6

Has its moments....