Hi there. I am also very interested in the role of the school environment in addressing the causes of offending and in ensuring a range of positive outcomes for young people. And I wonder if you could let me know more about it?

No worries.

Thanks for the information.

Sure! According to the existing literature, attachment to school is a key protective factor and that school exclusion may lead to a negative pattern of offending. For example, it is very important for schools in providing a diversionary role from offending activity (and reducing available time to engage in criminal activity). Besides, there are examples of school-based interventions that have been effective in reducing the risk of offending. A review of these found that the most effective strategies in encouraging positive behavior involved the clear enforcement of boundaries around acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. This entailed adherence to an agreed framework for managing discipline by clearly setting out, clarifying, and reinforcing school rules and expectations (e.g. through the use of campaigns, ceremonies, or similar techniques). In addition, cognitive-behavioral approaches have been highlighted as being effective in reducing crime. Of wider policy interest perhaps is the use of nurture groups to promote positive behaviors, evidence from which suggests a range of positive outcomes in terms of the social, emotional, behavioral, and educational functioning of children.