NCJ Number
136779
Date Published
Unknown
Length
59 pages
Annotation
The city of Paramount, Calif. has developed a program that emphasizes disapproval of gang membership and actively works to prevent and stop youth involvement in gangs.
Abstract
The program, Alternatives to Gang Membership, was created in 1982 to combat gang membership while increasing awareness of constructive alternatives. The program was developed by city government personnel under the direction of the city council. The program's three components are parent and community awareness meetings, an anti-gang curriculum taught in the fifth grade, and a follow-up program at the intermediate school. The school years were selected as a result of research indicating that interest in gang membership usually begins at age 11 and that a crisis period occurs as a child progresses from elementary to intermediate school. Four studies have determined the program's impact on youth, using pre-tests and post-tests, experimental and control groups, and follow-up surveys and observations. Findings indicate that the program is meeting its established goal. Thus, this program represents a successful effort to unite the three major institutions in the community: the schools, the family, and the local government. Together, these institutions are conducting a long-term effort against gang membership. News media articles, program handouts, curriculum outlines, and related program materials.