Exploring Community-Based Options for Reducing Youth Crime

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Public Health
• Community Psychology

Background:

• High-risk youth populations present complex challenges for community safety.
• Community-based interventions require evaluation of local value and preferences.
• The BackTrack program targets 14-17-year-old at-risk individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore community value and preferences for the BackTrack intervention in a rural Australian setting.
• To compare community preferences for BackTrack versus increased police presence for youth crime reduction.
• To assess the economic value of community-based youth crime prevention programs.

Main Methods:

• Discrete Choice Experiments (DCEs) were employed, adhering to International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research guidelines.
• A pilot test with 43 participants ensured feasibility and comprehension of the DCE survey.
• A revised survey was completed by 282 residents (35% response rate) in Armidale, NSW, Australia.

Main Results:

• Community members demonstrated a consistent preference for social programs like BackTrack over increased police presence.
• Respondents favored BackTrack 75% of the time, indicating a strong preference for the intervention.
• The community's willingness to pay for BackTrack was estimated at AUD 2.04 million annually, equivalent to AUD 150 per household.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights a significant community preference for the BackTrack intervention in Armidale.
• Community-based programs are valued and preferred for addressing youth crime and enhancing safety.
• Incorporating community preferences is crucial for evaluating and implementing effective youth intervention strategies.