Young offenders study says early intervention will reduce numbers
The Daily Bulletin (Kimberley) / Canadian Press
March 11, 2008
By: Bill Graveland

A study involving Calgary youth who have run afoul of the law is finding that educators and child care experts have been right all along about the benefits of getting children into after-school activities.

The Canadian Research Institute For Law and Family released data Monday from year one of a three-year study into 123 young offenders in the Calgary justice system.

….The study found the more serious offenders tend to get into trouble by age 14, were more likely to have experienced family violence and few engaged in social or leisure activities with their families.

They are also likely to have abused drugs and alcohol and have bullied classmates.

The researchers say the information indicates the importance of getting to troubled youth at an earlier age and encouraging outside activities.

"The word that comes to mind for me is social engagement. If they avoid being excluded at a young age and you can engage your kids in socially productive things that's important," explained Joseph Hornick, the executive director of the research institute.

The profile found that only 10 per cent of the serious offenders had been involved in organized activities after school and none had taken part in adult-coached sports.

….Since the criminal behaviour escalates and peaks at about age 14, said Branch, it stresses the need to intervene with children aged 12 or younger.

"It underlines the critical importance of early intervention," he said. "It's safe to say that based on the level of growth you've got in Calgary that trying to keep pace is a real challenge."….