A second chance:A report on the effects of after-school programs and the prevention of delinquent behaviors

Type :

Research papers

Pages :

6 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

11/05/2008

Category :

Social studies

Sub category :

Educational studies

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Summary :

Introduction.
Leaving kids alone and the subsequent tendcy to use drugs: Charlene Solomon.
Empirical studies and statistics.
1. Positive reinforcements and extra-curricular activities to keep the children busy.
2. Deanna Linville's research.
3. An empirical report showing positive results from a program called ?L.A.'s Best.?
After-school programs, community related activities and other prevention strategies - lowering the potential for incarceration.
Conclusion.

Abstract

Research shows that delinquency among children and adolescents is an extremely prevalent social problem, especially among adolescents in poverty stricken neighborhoods. Studies have shown that these kids are twice as likely to use and abuse drugs, participate in gang related activities and have sexual intercourse (Solomon, 1994). Studies have also shown that recently, serious violent crimes committed by youths are becoming disproportionately large compared to all juvenile crimes (Catalano, Loeber and Mckinney, 1999). Lerner and Galambos state that adolescence is a time that increases kids' chances of being involved in risky activities because their relationships with people are changing (1998). From a realist's point of view there will always be crime and delinquency among adolescents, especially in areas of poverty where the chances of becoming delinquent are increased due to a lack of proper education, supervision and other family related issues like having an incarcerated parent. However, there are ways to lower those rates and to offer children in poverty a second chance. By creating after school programs and activities, the children living in high-risk areas are more likely to stay out of delinquent situations. High risk areas are defined as a residential community that is characterized by high crime and poverty rates, environmental hazards, geographic isolation, residential instability, inadequate housing, low-quality schooling and scarce social service and economic resources. These programs could offer guidance not found anywhere else, a better chance at an education and of course the development of personal relationships both with adults and fellow peers.