NCJ Number
129722
Journal
Social Work Volume: 30 Dated: (January/February 1985) Pages: 25-31
Date Published
1985
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A model of social work practice has proved effective in delivering professional services to black urban youth gangs and their communities.
Abstract
Both extensive work with two black urban youth gangs and the literature on social work with youth gangs contributed to the model's construction. The model assumes that members of black urban youth gangs have the same needs and rights to service as other members of their communities. Its stages and tasks for the social worker are identified and described: overcoming any aversion to making contact, establishing rapport, setting and assigning goals, procuring internal or external resources, and evaluating performance in terms of the gang's satisfaction with its relationship with the worker. The model has been used over a 6-year period to modify the antisocial behavior of two gangs. All that is required to apply the model is a social worker's willingness to work autonomously and to risk possible failure. Further refinement of the model and research as to its effectiveness are needed. 41 references