Best Practices To Address Community Gang Problems: OJJDP's Comprehensive Gang Model

• NCJ Number: 222799
• Date Published: June 2008
• Length: 74 pages
• Agencies: OJJDP-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Technical Assistance

Annotation

Based on the Comprehensive Gang Model ("the Model") developed by the U.S. Justice Department's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and its recent testing by OJJDP's Gang Reduction Program (GRP), this report provides guidance for communities on how best to address an existing or emerging youth gang problem.

Abstract

The main section of the report presents best practices for the Comprehensive Gang Model and highlights results of a National Youth Gang Center survey and a meeting of practitioners to share their experiences in implementing the Model. This section contains descriptions of specific practices that work best in a step-by-step planning and implementation process in communities that are using the Model's framework and tools. This report also describes the research that produced the Model; outlines the key findings from evaluations of several programs that have implemented the Model in a variety of settings; and describes "best practices" determined by practitioners with experience in planning, implementing, and overseeing variations of the Model in their communities. The report also explains how the Model and associated best practices involve critical elements that distinguish it from typical programs designed to counter gangs. The Model's key distinguishing feature is a strategic planning process that empowers communities to assess their specific gang problems and develop a complement of antigang strategies and program activities. Community leaders considering this Model will be able to use a strategic planning tool developed by OJJDP and available at no cost. 9 references and appended demonstration and testing of the Model and the Multistrategy Gang Initiative questionnaire