Prevention is distinguished from control, or repression, in that prevention seeks to reduce the risk factors for delinquency before antisocial behavior or delinquency becomes a problem. Delinquency control programs, which involve the juvenile justice system, intervene in the lives of juvenile offenders with the aim of preventing the occurrence of future delinquent acts.
There are a number of different ways to classify or organize delinquency prevention programs, including the public health approach and the developmental perspective. Key features of the developmental perspective of delinquency prevention include targeting of risk factors and the promotion of protective factors; provision of services to children and families; and programs provided over the life course.
Some of the most effective delinquency prevention programs for children and teens include home visits for new mothers; parent training; enriched preschool programs; school-based programs that are intensive, cognitive-oriented, and targeted on high-risk kids; mentoring; and job training. Many of these programs also show positive results in reducing other problem behaviors, such as substance abuse, and lead to improvements in other areas of life, such as educational achievement, health, and employment. These benefits often translate into substantial cost savings for the government and taxpayers.

• Prepare to engage in discussion on the following questions:
  • What were your preconceived notions of juvenile court? Do they match up with what is described in the text?
  • Should the juvenile justice system essentially mirror the criminal justice system? 
  • Can you achieve the goal of rehabilitation through current rights and procedures?

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