NCJ Number
228545
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 53 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2009 Pages: 517-534
Date Published
October 2009
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study examined the perceptions of stakeholders involved in developing a youth violence prevention plan in one community.
Abstract
Results suggest that community members are interested in being involved in plan development. Through interviews, the study develops specific themes that provide a framework for understanding youth violence prevention planning efforts. A review of literature indicates that three major themes characterize efforts to prevent youth violence: reactive policies, culturally relevant policies, and community-developed policies. Reactive, or law and order policies, form the backbone of the criminal justice system; culturally relevant policies grew from the failure of reactive policies to control youth violence. The need for community support has been identified as an essential factor in youth violence prevention program success. Data were collected from a series of focus groups with human services providers, faith-based leaders, business leaders, violence prevention advocates, criminal justice officials, young people, and community activists, all living in the community in the midst of developing a youth violence prevention plan. Common themes included: a sense of community, optimism, business/work themes, and youth involvement. Based upon the data, the study provides specific recommendations for youth violence prevention policies. References