On the one hand, a strong lobby seemed to be arguing loudly that the answer to these problems lay in us simply being extremely tough on enforcement. On the other hand, a very different point of view could sometimes be heard, particularly from some in the youth sector, that the way to tackle these issues was to focus exclusively on prevention and on ensuring there were good places for young people to go and spend their leisure time.
I think we've moved a long way since then. Now, it is widely accepted that these perspectives are not "either/ors" but are both important elements of the balanced and effective strategy that is needed. This is encapsulated in the "triple-track approach" that the Youth Task Force has been successfully championing across the country, comprising tough enforcement where behaviour is unacceptable or illegal; non-negotiable support to address the underlying causes of poor behaviour; and early intervention to tackle problems before they become serious or entrenched.
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