NCJ Number
160987
Date Published
1993
Length
85 pages
Annotation
This manual is designed to help local Boys and Girls Clubs assess their local gang problem, recruit youth at risk or on the fringe of gang involvement, and focus club efforts and resources on serving this group of youth.
Abstract
The manual is designed for the person who will oversee program implementation at the unit level. The manual's first section provides broad information on youth gangs. Topics addressed include the nature of a gang, structure and leadership in gangs, levels of individual gang involvement, gang characteristics, and how gangs recruit their members. Also discussed in this section are why youth join gangs, the identification of youth at risk of joining gangs, and warning signs of gangs. The second section of the manual guides a club in surveying local officials and youth to obtain a more accurate, detailed profile of the gang issue in the club's community. Guidelines are then provided for preparing a club to mount a gang-prevention program. This involves the obtaining of organization-wide support, the adoption of a youth-development strategy, the creation of a quality core program, the development of programs to meet specific needs, and the establishment of club rules and safety measures. Information is then provided on recruiting youth at risk of gang involvement, developing a strong network, and serving youth at risk of gang involvement. The third section of the manual provides detailed guidelines for planning the program, setting objectives, and developing an action plan. The final section of the manual is devoted to resources that can be used in program planning and implementation.