Preventing youth crime from a youth, expert and cost perspective (2018–2019)

The aim of the research project Preventing youth crime from a youth, expert and cost perspective is to map out operating models which can be used to intervene in youth crime and prevent young people from reoffending. The aim of the study is to examine how young people and youth workers have experienced the measures and to assess their effect, costs and cost benefits. The study will produce data on the practices and measures of authorities and of different projects and programmes which aim to reduce criminal behaviour and meet the service needs of young offenders.

The study will increase understanding of the different measures that are in place to intervene in youth crime. The study will map out Finnish operating models and examine their contents through the allocation, aims and costs of their measures. A limited number of measures will be put through a qualitative assessment by visiting different areas. By interviewing the youth workers and young people in different regions we will find out what experiences various parties have on the effects of the measures. The project includes a cost benefit assessment. During the project, an international research survey will also be carried out to find out the contents and effects of measures carried out in different countries.

The aim of the research project is to meet the information needs of the Government and serve the working group for internal security, which is tasked with creating an operating model for reducing youth crime relating to marginalisation.
The research project is funded by the Government's analysis, assessment and research activities, and it is carried out by the Youth Research Network. The project is led by PhD (So.Sci.) Elina Pekkarinen, and its researchers are PhD (So.Sci.) Lotta Haikkola, MSSc Noora Hästbacka and MSSc Anton Schalin. Journalist Terhi Hautamäki is in charge of the project’s communications and sharing the results with different target groups.



Researchers

Elina Pekkarinen

Elina Pekkarinen

Senior researcher (on temp. leave from 14th of January 2019)

Adjunct Professor / Title of Docent in social work (University of Helsinki), PhD, Licensed Social worker

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+358408468624

Researcher profile
Lotta Haikkola

Lotta Haikkola

Academy Research Fellow

Doctor of Social Sciences, Docent

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Researcher profile