National Youth Gang Suppression and Intervention Program: A School-Based Model

• NCJ Number: 142677
• Author(s): Irving Spergel; Alba Alexander
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 19 pages
• Grant Number(s): 90-JD-CX-K001
• Agencies: OJJDP-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)

Annotation

This paper proposes a school-based model for intervention to address the problem of youth gangs in a school and community.

Abstract

The first step in addressing a youth gang problem is an assessment of the extent and seriousness of the problem by a school committee appointed by the principal or school district officials. Upon determining that a youth gang problem exists, the school should pursue five strategies. The key strategy is the provision of social opportunities for youth, i.e., the development of academic competence and employment preparedness. Special remedial courses, training situations, and appropriate flexibility in school curricula and procedures must be provided. Other strategies that should be mounted are social support, controls and supervision of gang youth, the mobilization of community resources to address the gang problem, and organizational development and change. These goals and strategies must be given initial form and meaning through school leadership, especially through the office of the principal. A key structure for the development and implementation of these goals and strategies should be based on an alliance between the school and a local community-based agency or a group of such agencies.