A Paradigm Shift in the Delinquency Prevention of Crimes and Social Problems among At-risk Children and Youths

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) shift paradigms, develop habits, correct risky behaviours, and integrate a desirable social environment to prevent delinquency and social problems among at-risk children and youth; and 2) establish a collaborative network between government and private agencies to provide assistance and develop life skills for at-risk children and youth. The target groups were Group 1, consisting of 100 at-risk children and youth leaders who have been in the justice system due to committing offences and currently under consideration by the Juvenile and Family Court, on bail, have subjected to special measures during the trial, or have detained in juvenile and child observation and protection centres; Group 2, consisting of 200 at-risk children and youth in the community who have not committed any offences before; and Group 3, a joint workshop between officials from each network partner agency involved in the seamless monitoring of children and youth in the justice system, with content analysis. The results found that 1) A paradigm shift occurred through training, knowledge dissemination, and various activities provided by instructors, enabling children and youth to experiment, resulting in a positive change in the paradigm. The post-activity life force and energy level assessment scores increased across all target groups, with the following details: (1) Children and youth participating in the life force and energy-boosting activities in Nakhon Ratchasima had a life force and energy level after the activities at the highest level (86.73%); (2) Children and youth participating in the life force and energy-boosting activities at the Juvenile Observation and Protection Centre in Samut Prakan had a life force and energy level after the activities at the highest level (84.57%). Children and youth participating in life force and energy-boosting activities at Wat Mali School and nearby communities in Bangkok experienced the highest life force and energy levels after the activities (87.33%);  and 2) The network of cooperation between government and private sector agencies in providing assistance and developing life skills for at-risk children and youth has been divided into 3 stages as follows: (1) Upstream has consisted of the general public and local government organisations (LGAs). (2) The midstream level has included schools, educational institutions, mass media, and foundations, and (3) the downstream level has included police, prosecutors, courts, juvenile detention and protection centres, juvenile training and education centres, and probation.