NCJ Number
160346
Journal
School Intervention Report Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1995-96) Pages: 1-15
Date Published
1996
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article proposes a comprehensive community program for preventing criminal gangs in a neighborhood.
Abstract
The effort must encompass school programs, neighborhood activities, criminal justice operations, and government services. Since poor school achievement and participation is related to involvement in gangs, schools must develop innovative approaches to ensure that students not only master minimal academic competencies but are assisted in feeling good about their school achievements. Further, schools must provide opportunities for students to become involved in school-related organizations committed to positive goals and for students to develop positive peer associations. In addition to school efforts, neighborhoods must also organize to reduce conditions that foster gangs. Community organizations may march, patrol, and monitor their neighborhoods to reduce gang activities. Further, communities can provide volunteers to help in such youth organizations as Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts, YMCA's, and religious-based youth groups. Drugs are a particular problem in low-income neighborhoods, since youth often view drug dealing as the only source of significant income for them. Communities should not only cooperate with the police to help reduce drug dealing but also work to develop alternative economic opportunities for youth. A significant factor associated with problem youth behavior in a given neighborhood is the existence of a large number of youth compared to the number of adults in a neighborhood. This reduces the influence of adults over juveniles' behavior. Such communities are in particular need of educational programs regarding teen pregnancies and child rearing.