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

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This 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,...

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Main Authors: Brennan Erin, Kenny Meghan, Lipman Ellen L, O'Grady Susanne, Augimeri Leena
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2011-05-01
Series:BMC Public Health
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/11/364
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author Brennan Erin
Kenny Meghan
Lipman Ellen L
O'Grady Susanne
Augimeri Leena
author_facet Brennan Erin
Kenny Meghan
Lipman Ellen L
O'Grady Susanne
Augimeri Leena
author_sort Brennan Erin
collection DOAJ
description <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This 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.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A 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.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Parents 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.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The 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.</p>
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spelling doaj.art-7e0d79b51fe345c39d2393d2702bd26f2022-12-22T02:58:49ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582011-05-0111136410.1186/1471-2458-11-364Helping boys at-risk of criminal activity: qualitative results of a multi-component interventionBrennan ErinKenny MeghanLipman Ellen LO'Grady SusanneAugimeri Leena<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This 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.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A 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.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Parents 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.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The 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.</p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/11/364Crime preventionMulti component interventionBoysAggressionPre-adolescentCommunity-based intervention
spellingShingle Brennan Erin
Kenny Meghan
Lipman Ellen L
O'Grady Susanne
Augimeri Leena
Helping boys at-risk of criminal activity: qualitative results of a multi-component intervention
BMC Public Health
Crime prevention
Multi component intervention
Boys
Aggression
Pre-adolescent
Community-based intervention
title Helping boys at-risk of criminal activity: qualitative results of a multi-component intervention
title_full Helping boys at-risk of criminal activity: qualitative results of a multi-component intervention
title_fullStr Helping boys at-risk of criminal activity: qualitative results of a multi-component intervention
title_full_unstemmed Helping boys at-risk of criminal activity: qualitative results of a multi-component intervention
title_short Helping boys at-risk of criminal activity: qualitative results of a multi-component intervention
title_sort helping boys at risk of criminal activity qualitative results of a multi component intervention
topic Crime prevention
Multi component intervention
Boys
Aggression
Pre-adolescent
Community-based intervention
url http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/11/364
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