If we can identify children at risk of
offending before they appear in the
criminal justice system, we may be able
to improve their future prospects,
Professor Kenny said.

A whole range of support strategies are required to stop young people from falling into a life of crime, according to research on young people in custody and on those serving orders in on the community.

Improved literacy and numeracy, vocational training, living conditions and mentoring are key areas that need attention, according to research in the new book, Young offenders on community orders: health, welfare and criminogenic needs, by Professor Dianna Kenny from the University of Sydney and Paul Nelson from UNSW.

"We found that more than 60 per cent of those we surveyed while researching the book had parents or other relatives who had spent time in prison," Professor Kenny said.

"They also had lower education levels, and higher than average exposure to risky lifestyle behaviours, including drug and alcohol abuse and unprotected sex."

The book details the family background, physical and mental health, educational difficulties, and alcohol and drug use of 800 young offenders. Interestingly, despite their disadvantaged backgrounds and bleak prospects, more than half had a positive outlook on life.

Professor Kenny's research presents a challenge to policy makers to focus on support for families with a history of crime.

"If we can identify children at risk of offending before they appear in the criminal justice system, we may be able to improve their future prospects," she said.

"Prevention and support, rather than punishment, may help our young people break the cycle of offending."