| Purpose : |
This project examines the long-term effectiveness of an early intervention program that was implemented in economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Ontario between 1993 and 1997. Research has shown that a number of factors that may be present in the lives of disadvantaged youth, such as family poverty, ineffective and hostile parenting, and high levels of neighbourhood criminal activity can lead to negative outcomes in adolescence. The high school years are a critical period for understanding delinquency because the rates of youth crime increase dramatically between the ages of 13 and 17 years. The proposed research will provide evidence about the impact of the Better Beginnings community-driven prevention strategies on adolescent delinquency and will examine the trajectories to delinquency for youth from ages 11 through 18 years that is unique to Canada. The project will also include a comprehensive economic analysis of the Better Beginnings program.
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