Latest developments in the prevention of crime and anti‐social behaviour: an American perspective

Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss advances in the prevention of crime and anti‐social behaviours that have occurred in the USA in the last decade . Design/methodology/approach – The paper outlines significant achievements in the identification of risk and protective factors related to anti‐social behaviours, the design and evaluation of preventive interventions and strategies intended to increase the successful and widespread implementation of these practices. The Evidence2Success model is described as an example of how scientific advances can be utilised by communities to improve youth outcomes at little added cost to taxpayers. Findings – In a very short time span, much progress has been made in prevention sciences. Spurred in part by federal initiatives and funding opportunities, increasing numbers of preventive interventions have been developed and demonstrated as effective, and methods for disseminating these practices show promise. Originality/value – These successes can be utilised by other countries to advance prevention science internationally.