NCJ Number
177266
Date Published
1998
Length
191 pages
Annotation
This volume explains the reasons why youth are attracted to gangs and presents specific, practical ways to prevent, confront, and reverse gang mentality, based on the author's experience as the director of a successful gang intervention program in Oregon.
Abstract
The text is intended to assist both criminal justice professionals and others concerned with at-risk youth. It details how the author and his co-workers at Oregon's MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility have successfully intervened in gangs in the juvenile correctional system and directed hard-core gang members away from the gang lifestyle. The first section explains the reasons for gang intervention programs at correctional institutions, the reasons youth are attracted to and join gangs, the mentality of gang members, gang dynamics, gang communications and intimidation, graffiti, hand signs, and vernacular. The next section explains the steps involved in initiating a gang intervention program, including the crucial role of the facilitator, the intervention strategies needed for gang-involved youths, the need for aftercare programs, and the importance of helping youth see rap music in a larger context. The final section details the steps involved in starting a new program, including the administrator's role, the components of a successful gang suppression program in detention and correctional institutions, sources of support for the project, and program evaluation. The final chapter notes that the volume has focused on African American gangs and that many of the recommended strategies are applicable to Hispanic gangs, Asian gangs, and gang-involved females. Appended glossary, information about the Oregon Youth Authority and the author's program in Oregon, and 10 references