NCJ Number
145311
Date Published
1992
Length
37 pages
Annotation
Youth gang prevention and intervention programs in 33 Boys and Girls Clubs of America were evaluated.
Abstract
Evaluative data were obtained between April 1991 and February 1992 from case management records, on-site observations, and interviews among program personnel. The 33 programs served 1,917 at risk youths. Overall, the effort of the Boys and Girls Clubs is sound and viable. Successful sites had the following characteristics: 1) additional funding sources, to support a youth gang prevention or intervention program; 2) expanded hours of operation, to serve at risk youths when they need it most later at night, weekends; 3) mainstreaming of at-risk youths into the Club's regular activities; 4) an effective community network; 5) appropriate recordkeeping and data collection; 6) participation of youths' families; and 7) programs that accommodate the needs of older teens. Programs often suffered from inadequate funding; however, staff commitment was not lacking. 8 tables