NCJ Number
197743
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: Fall 2002 Pages: 27-46
Date Published
2002
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article provides a review of what gang prevention strategies are successful and unsuccessful.
Abstract
Results of a literature review on gang prevention show that the findings of empirically validated research that has been conducted to date are not overwhelmingly enlightening. The number of field tests is small. The evaluation results that do exist are mostly negative. Studies tend to reveal weak evidence. Some reviews of literature on the same topic have come to diverse conclusions. Evaluation research is not always an integral component of gang-related initiatives. Although no single program has demonstrated complete success, selected elements of many programs are worth noting and deserve replication. One of the most ambitious efforts to evaluate findings of prevention and intervention programs was developed by the American Youth Policy Forum. This compendium summarizes research and practice related to prosocial youth development that has improved the lives of young people. The key is determining what works in a particular location that is experiencing a particular type of gang problem with particular types of juveniles. Concentrated effort is devoted to analyzing community needs, developing appropriate frameworks, incorporating macro and micro-oriented strategies into a program design, and reviewing the results. The programs that appear to be unsuccessful are ones with detached street workers and police suppression strategies. The programs that appear to be promising are programs relevant to local needs, proactive strategies aimed at discouraging youths from joining gangs, school-based intervention and support programs, and comprehensive community programs. A key factor is pursuing a comprehensive, holistic approach that addresses multiple facets of the problem. 79 references, 8 endnotes