The role of youth organizations in the prevention of youth delinquent and antisocial conduct

Abstract

The idea for this study stemmed from the author's work as a probation officer that brings her in contact with various people, including young offenders. This dissertation is concerned with exploring whether youth organizations can have an impact on the prevention of antisocial and delinquent conducts in youth. Studies, theories and literature pertaining to the topic under study demonstrate a positive relationship between participation/involvement in such organizations and youth crime prevention; hence this study hypothesised that, when combined with other factors, youth organizations can have a positive influence on the prevention of youth delinquent and antisocial behaviour. This subject of the study was primarily researched via a review of literature, research and theoretical observations that indicated that there are two ways through which youth organizations may have a positive and effective impact on the decrease and/or prevention of youth crime. The first mechanism is that of involvement which is based on the theoretical framework of informal control (Nye as cited in in Burfeind and Bartusch, 2011:171) and Hirschi's (as cited in Siegel and Welsh, 2011:159) social bond perspective, while the second mechanism pertains to what was referred to as therapeutic prevention (Johnson Morgan and Summer, 2005:63; Nichols; DCMS/Strategy Unit, as cited in Smith and Waddington, 2009:8-9). The author of this study author has opted for the qualitative research design. Two semi structured interviews schedules were formulated based on the literature reviewed by the author. The study' s participants consisted of youth organization Ieaders, youth organization members and probationers. This study took an exploratory role and conducted interviews with three samples of persons - youth organization leaders, youth organization members and probationers. The central findings of this research support this study's initial hypothesis in indicating that when combined with other factors, youth organizations can play a vital role in the prevention of youth offending; hence they support the author's recommendations that young persons should be encouraged and motivated to participate in such organizations. These findings also support this study' s call for more investment and energy to be devoted to this purpose.