Interventions to prevent and reduce gang-related crime among children and young adults

Background

SBU has been commissioned by the Swedish Government to evaluate the scientific evidence for initiatives about the crime prevention area that the social services can use in their work with children and young people who are caught up in antisocial and criminal behavior. In its work, SBU shall consider views from the National Board of Health and Welfare and other relevant actors. After consultation with the National Board of Health and Welfare and other authorities, the project will focus on children and young people's gang-related crime. Gang crime refers to: (1) groups comprising more than three persons, (2) existing for at least three months, (3) being youth-related or street-related, (4) accepting illegal activities and (5) committing crimes together.

Inclusion criteria

• Children and young adults who are under 30 years of age.
• Psychosocial interventions that in Sweden can be carried out by social services, schools, after school activities or civil society.
• Psychosocial interventions within correctional care Studies from Western countries (Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand)

Exclusion criteria

• Police interventions that are not supplemented with psychosocial interventions
• Situational prevention (e.g. camera surveillance, security doors)
• Research on violent extremism, "soccer firms", mafia, clan-related and MC-related crime

Aim

The aim is to evaluate the scientific support for initiatives where the social services can be involved that can prevent or reduce gang-related crime.