Think tank calls for Sure Start style centres to tackle youth crime
Tom Lloyd
Monday, February 11, 2008
A leading think tank has called for a network of Sure Start style centres for five- to 12-year-olds to combat youth crime.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has found that most prolific criminals start offending between the ages of 10 and 13.
The report's author argues that investing in a network of ‘Sure Start Plus' centres will allow professionals to address the causes of youth crime before offending begins.
She recommends giving lead professionals budgets of between £100 and £2500 that would be spent on interventions such as parenting programmes, educational support, behavioural therapy, and other appropriate types of support.
Julia Margo, the author of the report and associate director at IPPR, said: "Sure Start Plus would target kids and families who are at the highest risk of turning into offenders later in life.
"The service, tailored to each child and family, would provide services including parenting support groups, respite care and counselling."
The report's author argues that investing in a network of ‘Sure Start Plus' centres will allow professionals to address the causes of youth crime before offending begins.
She recommends giving lead professionals budgets of between £100 and £2500 that would be spent on interventions such as parenting programmes, educational support, behavioural therapy, and other appropriate types of support.
Julia Margo, the author of the report and associate director at IPPR, said: "Sure Start Plus would target kids and families who are at the highest risk of turning into offenders later in life.
"The service, tailored to each child and family, would provide services including parenting support groups, respite care and counselling."