Intensive health visiting and the prevention of juvenile crime.

Abstract

Studies have shown that early child-bearing, substance use during pregnancy, and perinatal complications are linked to poor child-rearing, consequent childhood behaviour problems, later delinquency and criminality. David Farrington presents evidence that intensive health visiting programmes, with small caseloads, by reducing hyperactivity, school failure and child conduct problems, could ultimately cut the incidence of juvenile crime.