Intergenerational care as a viable intervention strategy for children at risk of delinquency

Abstract

Literature has consistently cited early childhood interventions as an effective method for mitigating or preventing future delinquency in at-risk children. In this manuscript,we propose an adapted model of Intergenerational Care presenting as a possible intervention strategy for children at risk of delinquency. This model of care draws from programmes that provide formal care and support for older people and young children, with a primary focus on intergenerational interactions that focus on respite day care, community engagement, educational pedagogy across generations and evaluation. Using a specific model of Intergenerational Care, we incorporated three components of existing childhood intervention strategies: preparing for school readiness, promoting social skills with elders and peers, and managing behaviour. While no intervention strategy targeting children at risk of delinquency has made use of intergenerational interactions, the adapted Intergenerational Care model that we propose, with these three components supported by the existing literature, offers a unique and promising approach for preventing future delinquent behaviour in children. Recommendations for longitudinal research are also proposed. K E Y W O R D Sat-risk children, childhood interventions, delinquency, early intervention, intergenerational care

Intergenerational care: an exploration of consumer preferences and willingness to pay for care

“…For consumers, the models may increase the quality of life of participants and encourage the creation of age-friendly communities in Australia. For participants, InGen programs may: improve motor and cognitive skills; social inclusion; delay entry into nursing homes; improve academic performance of at risk children; and increase social engagement, confidence and resilience in participants (Cummings et al 2002;DeVore et al 2016;Femia et al 2008;Whitten et al 2016).…”

“…These programs have also been shown to increase social engagement, confidence, and resilience (Femia et al 2008;Hayes 2003). Research on the lifecourse theory identifies the importance of adult support structures early in childhood to improve confidence, security and lower incidences of bullying and antisocial behaviour (Whitten et al 2016).…”

Intergenerational Programs Involving Adolescents, Institutionalized Elderly, and Older Volunteers: Results from a Pilot Research-Action in Italy

“…With regard to younger age groups, IGPs may increase their life satisfaction [56, 57], advance their prosocial behaviour [58], and keep them away from delinquency [59]. Moreover, IGPs seem to be effective in increasing youngsters' awareness of older people's needs, by helping them overcome age-related stereotypes more easily [28, 60], and promoting a positive attitude towards the older counterpart [45].…”

Evaluation of the Benefits, Satisfaction, and Limitations of Intergenerational Face-to-Face Activities: A General Population Survey in Spain

“…Regarding the academic field, many researchers have found that intergenerational exchange improved school engagement and decreased school absenteeism [ 44 ]. Moreover, children and adolescents can also benefit from intergenerational programs by providing access to adults at difficult times, reducing involvement in offending behavior and drug use, and improving personal resilience [ 45 ].…”