Children & crime - Bob Holman

The first part of this book looks at the causes of crime perpetrated by children. Following cases such as that of the murder of Jamie Bulger, politicians in particular have variously blamed working and single mothers, the welfare state or an underclass of the population. But there are no easy answers. The author examines in detail the influence of family life on crime, the effect of outside factors, such as peer and the media, and the corrosive effect of poverty.;The second part of the book is concerned with what can be done to prevent children becoming criminals. The strategy proposed by the author, based on his Christian principles, is to engage in activities which enable families to cope. Government, local authorities, voluntary societies and churches can do much, and the author offers examples and suggestions for action. The book concludes by emphasizing that we should aim to build a society in which positive values and shared resources allow more people to develop their individuality, and thus a society which is less criminal.