NCJ Number
136982
Date Published
Unknown
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A religious leader talks about the importance of community outreach services for youth involved in and affected by gang activity.
Abstract
While the social ills and needs of these youth are diverse and complex, they manifest themselves in specific ways that involve gang activity, criminal involvement, drug abuse, homelessness, and joblessness. The dynamic impact of gangs results in murder, intimidation, violence, and neighborhood deterioration. The only real alternative for help appears to be social service providers in the community who intervene, but are in need of financial assistance. Social service funds spent in support of grassroots program services are well-spent because they put the resources closest to where community needs and problems are. Youth involved in gangs have inadequate social skills and find themselves unable to cope with social and economic conflict that is part of daily life. Due to the inability to embrace appropriate conflict resolution, they continue to respond with the violent behavior they have acquired through gang association and involvement. It is essential that community resources be targeted to these youth in order to avoid the potentially harmful effects of incarceration.