Sure Start centres should be set up for five- to 12-year-olds to support children considered at risk of offending, a leading think-tank said this week.
A report by the IPPR, entitled Make Me a Criminal, said research showedthat prolific criminals start offending between the ages of ten and 13.It recommended giving lead professionals individual budgets from 100 to 2,500 for individual children to spend on services such astargeted parenting programmes, intensive education interventions andcognitive behavioural therapy.
IPPR associate director Julia Margo said, 'Sure Start Plus would targetkids and families at the highest risk of turning into offenders later inlife and would provide services including parenting support groups,respite care and counselling.'
Make me a criminal is available to download at www.ippr.org.
