What type of intervention focuses on preventing juveniles from entering the justice system?

The correct answer is primary prevention, which aims to prevent juveniles from entering the justice system in the first place. This type of intervention is proactive, addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency before they lead to criminal behavior. Primary prevention strategies might include community education programs, family support services, youth engagement activities, and positive youth development initiatives. By focusing on strengthening protective factors and addressing social issues, primary prevention seeks to deter the involvement of youth in the criminal justice system altogether, making it a foundational element in juvenile justice reform.

Secondary prevention, on the other hand, targets individuals who are at risk of offending but have not yet committed serious offenses. Tertiary prevention involves interventions aimed at those who have already entered the justice system, focusing on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Behavioral intervention typically refers to specific strategies aimed at changing problematic behavior in individuals. Understanding these distinctions is critical when considering the appropriate interventions within the juvenile justice framework.