An Evaluation of Youth at Risk's Coaching for Communities Programme

Abstract

Abstract: Anti‐social behaviour by young people is recognised as a social problem with wide‐reaching effects. Many of the programmes aimed at reducing anti‐social behaviour, however, have not been subject to rigorous evaluation. This article presents the findings from a completed experimental evaluation of an intervention for young people displaying low‐level anti‐social behaviour. The evaluation randomly allocated young people to an intervention (n=32) and control (n=31) group. The study investigated whether the programme significantly altered a number of intermediate and ultimate outcomes. In addition to conclusions about the programme's effectiveness, the article outlines the potential for extending and enhancing the reach and impact of the programme (and programmes like it).