NCJ Number
146447
Journal
Parks and Recreation Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1992) Pages: 54-56
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article suggests goals, functions, and services for recreation programs that target youths at-risk for gang involvement.
Abstract
Any planning for a recreational program for youth should be based in a needs-assessment. Surveys, interviews, observations, and collaboration with known gang members and at-risk youths can produce knowledge about their recreational needs and interests. Groups that can preclude the need for gang involvement are ethnic clubs, sports clubs, special- interest groups, and high-adventure clubs. Although recreation agencies are not always located in areas at high risk for juvenile delinquency, recreational storefront programs and mobile recreational units can be effective in these areas. Recreation centers for youth should cooperate with other community agencies to coordinate activities for youths. Since recreation professionals have frequent contacts with youths, they should be familiar with various community resources for youths and how to refer youths to them. A variety of strategies can recognize youths for positive behaviors and thus encourage their involvement in positive activities. Recreational programs for high-risk youths must be fast-paced and exciting to hold their interest over time.