Poor attainment at school, truancy and school exclusion. Drug and alcohol abuse. Deprivation such as poor housing or homelessness. Tackling these factors, and other aspects of offending behaviour, requires input from a range of agencies. Confronting young offenders with the consequences of their offending, for themselves and their family, their victims and the community and helping them to develop a sense of personal responsibility.
Punishment proportionate to the seriousness and persistence of the offending.
Encouraging reparation to victims by young offenders. Reinforcing the responsibilities of parents.