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Cass County Delinquency Prevention Plan Introduction Introduction and History Risk Focused Approach To Delinquency Prevention Cass County, expanding on it Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant plan, has adopted a risk-focused approach to reducing adolescent problem behaviors. The premise is quite simple: to prevent a problem (delinquency) we need to know how to identify the factors that increase the risk of that problem developing and then find ways to reduce the risks in ways that enhance protective or resiliency factors This model is based on the work of Dr. Hawkins, Dr, Catalano and their colleagues, They have conducted their own research and reviewed over 30 years of existing work on risk factors. They believe that there are a variety of problems (delinquency, substance abuse, school drop-out, violence prevention, and teen pregnancy) that share common risk factors, The more risk factors to which a youth is exposed, the more likely they are to engage in problem behaviors. The risk factors have been catalogued by important areas of daily life; the family, the school, the community and with peers or within the individuals themselves, Using the Communities That Care model a second premise must also be adopted. This second premise is: that in order to prevent problem behavior (delinquency) we must know what factors buffer children and youth from risk This strategy is commonly referred to as a social development strategy, To help youth develop into healthy adults the following protective factors are important: Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards. This protective factor is present and more likely to be followed when: a, parents, teachers and communities set clear standards of behavior b, the standards are widely and consistently supported c, the consequences for not following the standards are consistent Bondina. This protective factor comes from strong relationships with those who hold healthy beliefs and clear standards. When a youth has bonded they do not want to risk the attachment by behaving in ways which would jeopardize the relationship. In order to strengthen bonding to the family, the school, the community or to peers certain conditions must be present, The must have the opportunity to contribute, the must have the skills to contribute and the must be recognized for their contributions. The community, having adopted the Communities That Care model, will develop programs, policies and procedures which: 1. Strengthen bonds and provide opportunities to contribute skills and recognition. 2, Reduce risk factors in ways which strengthen protective factors 3. Develop clear and consistent standards for behavior within peer groups, at home and within the community and at school 4. Teach the skills youth need to be able to follow clear and consistent standards Page 1