NCJ Number
176157
Date Published
1994
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The evaluation of 52 youth gang prevention projects was the focus of Federal grant funding in fiscal year 1989, the goals being to assess project implementation, the influence of the policy environment on projects, project activities and characteristics of young people who participated in them, and project effectiveness.
Abstract
Extensive interviews were conducted with project staff at 37 projects. These interviews involved representatives from schools and law enforcement agencies and other government officials. Process evaluation data collection addressed the extent of the youth gang and drug problem in each community; needs assessment findings; project management, organization, staffing, and training; service delivery; recordkeeping and management; and overall project implementation and results. It was found that projects most frequently served African-American youth, followed by Mexican, white, and Asian youth. The populations served were at risk of gang and drug involvement because of school problems, low-income and/or single-parent families, lack of a support system, and propensity for delinquency. The 52 projects provided more than 30 services for young people, families, and the community. Youth participants in projects tended to be black males and 14 or 15 years of age. Project participants were less likely than nonparticipants to have reported engaging in delinquent behavior overall and in specific delinquent behaviors. Projects had the greatest impact on the self-reported delinquent behavior of young people 15 years of age and older. Findings and recommendations from project evaluations are detailed with respect to process and outcomes.