Title: Gang Prevention: An Overview of Research and Programs | Youth.gov
Headings: Gang Prevention: An Overview of Research and Programs
Gang Prevention: An Overview of Research and Programs
Content: Youth join gangs for protection, enjoyment, respect, money, or because a friend is in a gang. Youth are at higher risk of joining a gang if they engage in delinquent behaviors, are aggressive or violent, experience multiple caretaker transitions, have many problems at school, associate with other gang-involved youth, or live in communities where they feel unsafe and where many youth are in trouble. To prevent youth from joining gangs, communities must strengthen families and schools, improve community supervision, train teachers and parents to manage disruptive youth, and teach students interpersonal skills. No programs have been developed specifically to prevent gangs from emerging. In the meantime, to prevent youth from joining gangs, communities must employ multiple strategies and services, including: Addressing elevated risk factors for joining a gang. Strengthening families. Reducing youth’s conflicts. Improving community-level supervision of youth. Providing training for teachers on how to manage disruptive students.