NCJ Number
179328
Date Published
1999
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article reviews processes that may hold promise for dealing with gang-related problems in schools and communities, processes that are primarily based on cognitive-behavioral interventions.
Abstract
Given the escalating intensity of the gang problem, it will be necessary to abandon unidimensional, "magic bullet" approaches to intervention in favor of prescriptive and comprehensive approaches that account for the variety of motivations behind gang participation, the wide diversity among potential and actual gang members, and the degree of gang presence in communities. Comprehensive gang prevention programs will require well-planned change at the systems level. In actuality, potential components for effective and comprehensive gang interventions already exist. The larger question is whether and when society will place priority on and subsequently fund and mobilize toward such interventions. Society's inefficient responses to other social problems, such as homelessness, public assistance, health care, and mental illness, tend to inhibit confidence in a positive future for many disenfranchised gang youth. However, the cogent and diligent application of organizational change processes will increase the odds for success. Mental health interventions can help gang adolescents and their families attain a better quality of life. Cognitive-behavioral interventions have the potential of teaching social skills that can be transferred to other settings. 62 references