Irving A. Spergel
Published: 1994
Total Pages: 26
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This report presents a prototype for the design and mobilization of community initiatives to counter youth gangs through efforts by police, prosecutors, judges, probation and parole officers, corrections officers, schools, employers, community- based agencies, and a range of grassroots organizations. The proposed models assume that the gang problem and related criminal behavior stem from two interacting conditions: poverty and social disorganization. Other significant or contributing factors include institutional racism, cultural misadaptation, deficiencies in social policy, and the availability of criminal opportunities. Implementation of the models requires addressing community mobilization, provision of opportunities, social intervention, suppression, and organizational change and development. Implementation issues such as problem assessment, development of youth gang policy, managing the collaborative process, creation of program goals and objectives, community participation, etc. are also discussed. Roles for police, prosecution, courts, probation, corrections, parole, schools, youth employment, a community-based youth agency, and grassroots organizations are suggested. (NCJRS, modified).