NCJ Number
152317
Journal
Prevention Researcher Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1994) Pages: 4-6
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Because of a rise in gang-related violence and the incidence of weapons-related violence involving young people, the community in Portland, Oregon, implemented a comprehensive program designed to reduce gang crime and violence.
Abstract
The model used emphasized refocusing and reorganizing existing resources to provide alternative relationships and experiences for at-risk youth. This community mobilization approach dealt with youth gangs in the three domains of the justice system, human services organizations, and the political leadership. The model incorporated suppression, social intervention, opportunities provision, and organizational change and development. Gang enforcement units were created, representing a multijurisdictional approach to the gang problem. Multnomah County Juvenile Justice Division's Gang Resource Intervention Team (GRIT) became a central link in the provision of services to gang-involved youth and their families. New community programs provided youth advocacy and resource generation for gang-involved youth, outreach activities, and prevention services for at-risk adolescents. While results are being seen in some sectors, there remains a tremendous amount of work ahead to educate parents, the public, and young people.