NCJ Number
160411
Date Published
1995
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This preliminary report of the Fairfax County Public Schools Task Force on Hispanic Youth and Gang Violence (Virginia) assesses violent incidents by Hispanic youth in Northern Virginia and suggests ways to address the problem.
Abstract
Recognizing a pattern of rising numbers and increasing severity of violent incidents that have involved Hispanic youth, the Fairfax County Public Schools convened a small interagency working group in September 1994. This group has met seven times as a whole and several additional times in working groups, focusing on the problems of Hispanic youth in schools and those out of schools. Among the preliminary conclusions drawn by the task force are that many youth are not in the school system and others fail to adapt; these are problems that are particularly significant for Hispanic youth. Such at-risk youth form the recruiting pool for gangs. The task force further notes that not all youth groups are gangs, but adults in authority often cannot distinguish between the two, causing some overreaction to groups and underreaction to gangs. The lack of communication channels among formal institutions, the youth, and their families obstructs an awareness of their needs and views. By studying successful program in other areas and by examining what seems to be working in Fairfax County, the task force has concluded that efforts to reduce youth violence and gangs should be comprehensive, coordinated, flexible, and proactive. It encourages the continuation, expansion, and funding for educational "bridging" programs that help students succeed in school, including community and parent liaisons and English as a Second Language programs. Prevention programs should encompass conflict mediation, drug prevention, school resource officers, and alternative programs at both the middle and high school levels. Other recommendations are a resource directory of services in the county and a technical education pilot program at the middle school level. Appended report on the problems and needs of youth in one community with significant problems with Hispanic youth