NCJ Number
146471
Date Published
Unknown
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This publication is the product of a workshop on delinquent prevention strategies for targeting Asian/Pacific Island youth, sponsored in 1985 by the California Department of the Youth Authority.
Abstract
State statistics reflected the growth of the Asian/Pacific Island population and the increasing number of juvenile delinquents from this population. There was also evidence indicating an alarming increase in the incidence of anti-Asian/Pacific Islander sentiment. Recurrent issues that occur during the process of immigration and cultural contact between different ethnic groups, that may contribute to delinquency prevention strategies, include family conflicts, role and identity confusion, loss of occupation and reduced self-esteem, a feeling of normlessness stemming from language and cultural barriers, and confusion about available social services. Workshop participants identified several strategies for preventing delinquency among Asian/Pacific Islander adolescents: providing forums for listening to youth, working closely with schools, implementing a strong stay-in-school program, providing a full range of vocational training, working with police and fire departments, providing speaker programs at schools, using senior citizens in the community, using social agencies and service clubs to support the justice system, finding recreational activities for youth, and encouraging interagency cooperation. Model programs which are described here include a community approach to reducing youth violence, Native American Samoan Child Service Improvement Project, Volunteers in Probation, Union of Panasian Communities, Cameron House, Chinatown Youth Center, Committee Against Racism in Education, and San Francisco Conservation Corps. 3 appendixes