NCJ Number
178206
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 61 Issue: 5 Dated: August 1999 Pages: 62-112
Date Published
1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Juvenile gangs are discussed with respect to their extent, characteristics, behavior patterns, the need for early prevention, correctional approaches, and the methods used by the Oregon Youth Authority.
Abstract
An estimated 2,000 cities had more than 25,000 gangs with 650,000 members in 1995. The ethnicity of gang members is estimated at 48 percent black, 43 percent Hispanic, 5 percent white, and 4 percent Asian, although black and Hispanic youths have no special predisposition to gang membership and are simply overrepresented in areas likely to lead to gang activity. Gang members commit violent crimes at a rate three times that of nongang delinquents. Early prevention programs that involve the cooperation of corrections professionals, educators, families, and the community are needed. Youth gangs also present a serious threat to juvenile correctional facilities. These facilities should develop suppression strategies for youth gang members and have a zero-tolerance approach to gang behavior and activity. They need to develop policies, procedures, and criteria to identify gang members and gather intelligence. Systematic training on the thought patterns, values and attitudes of these youths and programs designed to change these attitudes are also needed. Many youths will require a continuation of services after release. The Oregon Youth Authority provides a continuum of services to protect the public, hold youthful offenders accountable, and reduce juvenile crime through programs and partnerships with local communities and counties. Oregon has also become a national leader in addressing minority overrepresentation in juvenile correctional facilities. In addition, the Governor's Juvenile Crime Prevention Advisory Committee has initiated a training and technical assistance committee to assist Oregon's counties in meeting the diverse needs of all their youths. 5 references