When children as young as eight years old commit crimes that become more frequent or more serious as they get older, there is cause for concern.
This is because these children can become so-called "prolific offenders" under unfavorable conditions and without effective intervention.
On average, a "prolific offender" harms 100 victims by the age of 25, e.g. by stealing, robbing or beating them up. This is associated with around 1.7 million euros in consequential social costs that they cause directly or indirectly during this time.
The aim of the "Kurve kriegen" initiative is to prevent this.
"Kurve kriegen" was initially installed in eight authorities, including the Rhine-Erft district police authority, by the Ministry of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia in 2011. The number of police authorities has since increased to 35.
The "Kurve kriegen" team in the Rhine-Erft district is made up of qualified social pedagogue Stefan Henke, qualified social pedagogue/worker Thomas Hühne, qualified curative pedagogue Iris Lünebach and police contact Susanne Springer.
The educators draw up a needs profile for the participating children and their parents and coordinate the educational measures such as coolness training, social skills training, parent counseling and experiential education, which are carried out by youth welfare organizations. The authority has concluded corresponding contracts with these youth welfare organizations.
Participation in the "Kurve kriegen" initiative is voluntary and free of charge for children and parents.
The NRW initiative "Kurve kriegen" aims to identify children and young adolescents who are particularly at risk of committing crimes as early as possible and prevent them from becoming "prolific offenders" in the long term.
Children and young people
- between the ages of eight and 15
- who have committed at least one violent offense (e.g. dangerous bodily harm, threats...)
- or at least three property crimes
- and for whom so-called crime-promoting risk factors apply (e.g. experience of violence, a crime-ridden living environment, drug abuse, a criminal circle of friends...).
Early help instead of late hardship!
In view of the numerous victims, the enormous social follow-up costs caused by a "prolific offender" and his expected social isolation, intervention must take place as early as possible - and before the "criminal career" picks up speed.
The investment of personnel and money in the early phase of conspicuous behavior is small compared to the investments, costs and measures required later - and above all effective.
Your contact person:
Susanne Springer, Phone: 02271 81-4815
Here is the country page "Kurve kriegen"