New Russian Program Aims to Curb Rising Juvenile Crime Through Early Intervention
A new prevention program aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency has been developed by researchers at Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNRPU). The initiative comes as concerns grow over rising crime rates among young people, with President Vladimir Putin noting that over 40% of juvenile offences now fall into serious or grave categories. The program is already being used in Lysva, where it has been adopted by the local Commission on Minors' Affairs. The program begins with a detailed assessment carried out by a school social worker or psychologist. This evaluation examines family relationships, aggression levels, distrust, self-esteem, and personality traits to pinpoint at-risk adolescents. Once identified, participants engage in a structured three-to-six-month intervention.
The initiative combines multiple approaches, including one-on-one work with teenagers, parental counselling, and ready-to-use resources for specialists. Sessions cover key areas such as emotional regulation, legal awareness, conflict resolution, and substance abuse prevention. Parents are required to take part, receiving guidance and support throughout the process. A toolkit for educators and a unified guidebook with checklists have been created to ensure consistency. The program also includes a system to measure its effectiveness, allowing adjustments based on real-world outcomes. While currently in use in Lysva, there is no public information on how many other Russian regions have officially adopted it.
The prevention program offers a structured approach to tackling juvenile delinquency through early assessment, targeted support, and family involvement. Its adoption in Lysva marks a first step, with tools in place to track progress and refine methods. The initiative addresses both behavioural risks and systemic gaps in supporting at-risk youth.
