Hello. Are there credible program evaluation findings indicating that early prevention initiatives aimed at at-risk youth populations can yield considerably greater returns on investment compared to interventions that solely address their problematic behavior?

Not at all.

I appreciate the knowledge you've shared.

Certainly. One instance is the study conducted by Manning, Smith, and Homel (2013), which employs a methodology enabling the assessment of the value of enhancements in individual well-being resulting from developmental crime prevention initiatives. This approach involves gathering preference rankings through pairwise comparisons administered to an expert group. The rankings are based on a meta-analytic review of impacts derived from empirical literature. Applying this technique, the researchers identified that a structured preschool program that integrates family intervention and support emerged as the preferred choice for reducing youth crime.
I recommend exploring the following article as a potential resource for further information: Manning, M., Homel, R. & Smith, C. (2006). Economic evaluation of a community based early intervention program implemented in a disadvantaged urban area of Queensland. Economic Analysis and Policy, 36, 1-21.