Juvenile Call-Ins

• NCJ Number: 242425
• Author(s): Angelo M. Wolf, Ph.D.; Evan Franco; Livier Gutierrez
• Date Published: August 2011
• Length: 6 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: California Wellness Foundation; California Endowment
• Corporate Author: National League of Cities; National Council on Crime and Delinquency Research Ctr
• Sale Source: National Council on Crime and Delinquency Research Ctr
• Publication Format: Document; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: The California Cities Gang Prevention Network: Bulletin 23

Annotation

This "Bulletin" of the California Cities Gang Prevention Network presents recommendations for planning, executing, and delivering a nonviolence message that targets high-risk juveniles.

Abstract

This focused nonviolence message, also known as a "call-in," have been associated with a substantial reduction in gun violence in Boston and Indianapolis. Call-ins rely on the partnership of community representatives, service providers, and law enforcement agencies in composing and delivering a three-point message to juveniles involved in or at-risk for violence. The three components of the message are that "violence affects everyone in the community and will not be tolerated;" "the community cares about at-risk individuals and will provide services and assistance to those who need and want help;" and "those who continue to commit violence despite this fair warning will face the full consequences of the law, along with the other members of their violent groups." After discussing the features, objective, and target of call-ins, the Bulletin presents advice on planning and executing a call-in, as well as following up with the promised action against juveniles who commit violence. A separate section of the bulletin addresses the specific features of a call-in that is applied to juveniles. Although call-ins that target high-risk juveniles have the common features of the three-point nonviolence message, the message is delivered with slight modifications based on the age range of juveniles; for example, unlike adult call-ins, which only target previous offenders, juvenile call-ins may target at-risk youth without a criminal past. Another modification of the call-in for juveniles is an emphasis on "inspiration over enforcement." The message for juveniles should focus more on positive activities and behaviors than on punishment for violent behavior. Examples of juvenile call-ins are provided from the cities of Salinas, Oxnard, Boston, and Winston-Salem. 10 references and 4 resources