NCJ Number
171738
Journal
Free Inquiry in Creative Sociology Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: May 1997 Pages: 117-126
Date Published
1997
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A process evaluation conducted from April 1991 to February 1992 focused on youth gang prevention and intervention programs that were conducted in 33 Boys and Girls Clubs and that focused on strategies and techniques for reaching and mainstreaming at-risk youth or those on the fringe of gang involvement.
Abstract
Thirty Boys and Girls Club sites were funded as prevention programs; eight sites received additional funds to develop youth gang prevention consortiums. Three sites were funded as intervention program sites. Information was collected regarding demographic descriptors, indicators of at-risk factors, and indicators of school performance. The evaluation was based on case management information collected by club personnel at all sites, on observations, and on interviews conducted by members of the research team. The evaluation centered on actual program implementation to produce inferences concerning the degree to which gang prevention and intervention program objectives were achieved. In addition, the descriptive data suggested that some outcome objectives were achieved, but the evaluation was not designed as a scientific outcome study. Overall, findings demonstrated that the programs were effective in reaching targeted youth and that some of the efforts deserve consideration by those planning future prevention programs, interventions, or both. Tables and 13 references (Author abstract modified)