Abstract
A dearth in research exists regarding the onset and escalation of misbehaviour in male, prepubescent, at-risk children. Insight into which factors contribute to the onset and escalation of such behaviour in this age group, as well as what could possibly assist in the prevention of misbehaviour, is lacking in criminological literature. While observational research into male, at-risk children is fraught with ethical concerns, an in-depth understanding of the perceptions of those responsible for their wellbeing could provide invaluable information on the topic. This study explored the perceptions of experts and guardians regarding the early onset of misbehaviour in male, at-risk children in child and youth care centres. The empirical findings indicate that experts and guardians insist that numerous factors can contribute to both the onset and prevention of misbehaviour in male, at-risk children in child and youth care centres. The factors that experts and guardians thought contributed to the prevention of the onset of misbehaviour included: quality relationships with family members; parenting capacity; positive peer pressure at home or school; and the personal resilience of the individual. Conversely, some of the factors that experts and guardians considered to have contributed to the onset of misbehaviour included: lack of time to acclimatise to the child and youth care centre; environmental inconsistency; a non-resilient personality; negative peer pressure; and weak caregiver attachment. This study therefore provides an in-depth qualitative understanding of the perceptions of experts and guardians regarding the early onset of misbehaviour in male, at-risk children in child and youth care centres. Finally, recommendations pertaining to possible focus areas in secondary crime prevention programmes aimed at curbing youth misbehaviour in male, at-risk children are considered.