Helping boys at-risk of criminal activity: qualitative results of a multi-component intervention

BMC Public Health

Research Article

Susanne O'Grady¹  Leena Augimeri²  Ellen L Lipman³  Meghan Kenny⁴  Erin Brennan⁴ 

[1] Banyan Community Services, 681 Main Street East, L8M 1K3, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada;Child Development Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, L8S 4K1, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada;Offord Centre for Child Studies, Patterson 206, Chedoke Site, 566 Sanatorium Road, L9C 1Y3, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada;Offord Centre for Child Studies, Patterson 206, Chedoke Site, 566 Sanatorium Road, L9C 1Y3, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada;

关键词: Crime prevention;    Multi component intervention;    Boys;    Aggression;    Pre-adolescent;    Community-based intervention;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1471-2458-11-364

 received in 2010-11-19, accepted in 2011-05-23,  发布年份 2011

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThis qualitative study examines parent and child experiences of participation in a multi-component community-based program aimed at reducing offending behaviour, and increasing social competence in boys 6 to 11 years old in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The program builds on the concept of crime prevention through social development, and includes structured groups for the identified boy, parents, and siblings.MethodsA sample of 35 families participating in the multi-component program took part in the qualitative study. Individual interviews with the boys, parents and siblings asked about changes in themselves, relationships with family and peers, and school after the group. Interviews were taped, transcribed and content analysis was used to code and interpret the data.ResultsParents reported improvement in parenting skills and attainment of more effective communication skills, particularly with their children. Parents also found the relationships they formed with other parents in the program and the advice that they gained to be beneficial. Boys who participated in the program also benefited, with both parents and boys reporting improvements in boys' anger management skills, social skills, impulse control, and ability to recognize potentially volatile situations. Both parents and boys described overall improvement in family relationships and school-related success.ConclusionsThe qualitative data revealed that parents and boys participating in the multi-component program perceived improvements in a number of specific areas, including social competence of the boys. This has not been demonstrated as clearly in other evaluations of the program.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Lipman et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2011