NCJ Number
158871
Journal
School Intervention Report Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring-Summer 1995) Pages: 1-13
Date Published
1995
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article suggests a process for dealing with not only the gang problem but other problems of concern to educators and their communities.
Abstract
Individuals and organizations seeking to reform some of the ills of contemporary society, especially the problem of gangs and gang activities, face three major questions: (1) how to help young people at risk who have not yet joined a gang to stay out of gangs; (2) how to effectively encourage gang members to leave their gangs; and (3) how to respond to young people who are disruptive, criminal or violent. To help high-risk youngsters who have not yet joined a gang: (1) reduce the likelihood that they will become alienated from desirable social values and preferable economic, family, educational and political institutions; (2) create an environment that is safe from personal violence; and (3) provide viable means to move between school and work. To help gang members leave their gangs: (1) reduce gang-generated violence; (2) modify attitudes of social alienation among gang members; and (3) create opportunities to safely leave their gangs. To help disruptive and violent young people: (1) assess the character and extent of their psychological, social, or emotional impairments; (2) determine the character of necessary treatment and services; and (3) make changes in schools and other institutions that will help reduce those impairments. The article suggests procedures to establish community programs that will help to achieve the goals and objectives described above. References