Crime Prevention and the Youth Community Project in Greater Vancouver: A Practicum Review Analysis of a Post-adjudication Intervention Program

The Youth Community Project (YCP) is an initiative undertaken by the John Howard Society of the Lower Mainland in British Columbia. This program targets high-risk youth and attempts to prevent recidivism through intervention methods emerging out of evidence-based practice. This paper provides an overview of successful crime prevention initiatives targeting young offenders in Canada, demonstrating the theoretical underpinnings of a social development approach. Through a focus on post-adjudication interventions, an examination of evidence-based practices reveals the potential of programs aligning with the principles of the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model of offender rehabilitation, particularly those following an integrated service delivery model. As a recognized alternative and/or supplement to custodial supervision, YCP is a promising approach to the reduction of recidivism among juvenile offenders in the greater Vancouver region. Adherence to RNR principles and adoption of evidence-based practices will contribute to its success in the field of post-adjudication intervention.