Description
(For this project sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language is required.)
Several organizations work together to minimize youth delinquency every day. Each organization has its own set of tasks and roles in this field. The organizations that are involved in Twente around juvenile delinquency created a program where they want to focus on a number of topics among them: early signaling of youth delinquency and prevention, as well as collaboration in the chain. All the organizations have the wish to make better use of data and analyses as a way to give shape to these program lines.
There are several data sources available within and above the organizations involved about youth delinquency, youth behavior and societal issues related to that. However, all these (data) sources and all the relevant knowledge is scattered. This results in the use of this knowledge as single use only, and only on specific occasions instead of an widespread use. Not all the data and information is used, which lead to a lack of relevant insights. In addition, most analyses that have been done are reactive, while the amount and richness of the available data should make it possible to work on prevention. This is the aim of the partners - to work on prevention and prediction because that can be an effective and efficient instrument in the chain of youth delinquency. The idea is that when it is possible to create a better perspective on trends and developments in youth delinquency, all the partners will be able to work more effectively and with more efficiency.
Kennispunt Twente wants to collaborate with the UT to learn more about variables that play a role in predicting and preventing youth delinquency. In this assignment, you will be asked to explore relevant literature (scientific literature and non-academic literature such as policy reports) to provide an overview of studies that have researched which factors predict youth delinquency, as well as factors that prevent youth delinquency. This overview should enable Kennispunt Twente and their partners to develop a monitor with relevant data points when it comes to predicting and preventing youth delinquency. In addition, the assignment may involve gathering data from municipalities or other stakeholders.
Research question
This projects contains two main components – a literature study and interviews with civil servants.
1. What is already known in (academic) literature about predicting variables of youth delinquency?
2. What has been done in the Netherlands or similar countries when it comes to data, monitoring and predicting youth delinquency?
3. What is the need of the fourteen municipalities and relevant stakeholders in the region of Twente when it comes to data and information about youth, delinquencies, and indicators that are predictors of youth delinquency?
Type of Research
A brief interview and/or assignment will be part of the selection process;
For this project sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language is required.
About the organization
It is part of an ongoing research project by Kennispunt Twente. Kennispunt Twente delivers insights and knowledge to strengthen the Twente society. We strengthen the knowledge position of the fourteen municipalities in Twente and of SamenTwente by providing high-quality management information. With this knowledge, administration, management and policy officers can better base and substantiate policy choices.
Kennispunt Twente is a non-profit government-related research agency. It has been accommodated as a guest at SamenTwente, as a recognizable separate unit with its own identity, management and budget. We are independent of our clients in the way we conduct our research and the results that result from it.
Keywords
Youth delinquency; prevention; social policy; data analysis
Information
Please contact Lynn Weiher (l.weiher@utwente.nl) when you are interested in this assignment. The assignment is open to two students.
Useful links
Literature
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