NCJ Number
145309
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1993) Pages: 106-124
Date Published
1993
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article describes characteristics of successful programs for adolescents who have been chronically exposed to violence and poverty.
Abstract
In 1990, 23 percent of American children age 6 or under were living in poverty. Proportions were particularly high in inner cities and among African Americans and Hispanics. Violence is a commonplace occurrence to these youths. In surveys in southside Chicago, 23 percent of high school students had seen someone killed; among second- through eighth-graders, 31 percent had witnessed a shooting and 34 percent had seen someone get stabbed. Homicide among 15- to 24-year-olds is more prevalent in the United States than in any other developed nation that keeps such records; again, African-Americans are at particular risk. There are nine essential elements for a successful intervention program: street outreach and referral; needs and interest assessments; provisions for supportive, personal relationships with adults; availability of role models; peer group discussions; family interventions; neighborhood projects; education and job training; and program objectives. Neighborhood youth centers are valuable resources for helping chronically exposed adolescents overcome their rage, distrust, and hopelessness. 6 endnotes and 44 references