NCJ Number
151812
Date Published
Unknown
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Youth in leadership roles of most street gangs and juvenile delinquents need to be the focus of gang prevention efforts.
Abstract
Private sector employment is one way of taking gang leaders off the streets and positively affecting their lifestyles. Other viable gang prevention strategies include military service and enrollment in the Job Corps, the California Conservation Corps, and Job Partnership Act programs. Concerted efforts should be made to discourage youth from joining gangs. Programs and activities should be tailored to make gang membesrhip be perceived as undesirable, unfashionable, and dull. A comprehensive recreation and sports program may attract gang- bound youth and divert them from gang membeship. Gang members need individual help in getting out of the gang environment, such as assistance in establishing new friendships, associations, interests, and visions of opportunity. They also need help in re- establishing old relationships with schools, community-based organizations, responsible community residents, and their own families. In addition, gang prevention efforts should focus on enhancing the social, educational, and employment opportunities of youth; increasing self-esteem; and improving the standing of youth with peers, family, and school.