EARLY DETERMINANTS OF DELINQUENCY AND VIOLENCE

The past several decades have resulted in an explosion of knowledge ab out the development of young children, knowledge that is often underus ed in the policy-making process. This paper reviews established risk f actors for later delinquency and violence that are present prior to sc hool age. The results suggest that established population-based effort s in education and health should be expanded, in anticipation of reduc ing violent behavior. More intensive intervention efforts that provide a continuum of services for children and families during a vulnerable development period also are warranted. New research directions also a re described.