Children, risk and crime : the On Track Youth Lifestyles Survey

The On Track Programme: In 1998 the Home Office announced the Crime Reduction Programme. The programme was intended to develop and implement an integrated approach to reducing crime and making communities safer. On Track was established as part of the Crime Reduction Programme in 1999. In April 2001 the On Track programme was transferred from the Home Office to the Children and Young People’s Unit (CYPU) and incorporated into the Children’s Fund. On Track is an evidence-based preventative programme targeted at 4-12 year olds and their families in 24 high deprivation, high crime areas within England and Wales. It aims to reduce children ’s risk of offending and involvement in anti-social behaviour by targeting early interventions at the risk factors known to be associated with antisocial behaviour and crime. An integral part of the programme is its multi-tier evaluation, which draws on the findings of national and regional evaluation teams. The On Track Youth Lifestyles Surveys: The On Track Youth Lifestyles Surveys were undertaken as part of the National Evaluation of On Track. The surveys collected self-report data around the four domains of: family, schools, community and individual/peer factors from over 30,000 primary and secondary school pupils who were likely to come from On Track areas. The surveys allowed for the collection of baseline data about risk factors, protective factors and self-reported involvement in problem behaviours from children living in On Track areas. By undertaking repeat surveys, it will be possible to identify changes in the pattern of self reported problem behaviour, which will contribute to an assessment of the impact of the On Track programme. Whilst not nationally representative the findings will be of interest to policy makers and practitioners who have responsibility for developing and delivering interventions for children and young people who are most likely to offend.