GANG PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAM
In an effort to promote a proactive preventative approach in addressing at-risk youths
concerns, the City is proposing a partnership with a gang prevention
program. The focus of the program is the strengthening of the family unit, which in turn is the
foundation of the community. Strong families and community mobilization are the keys to
securing a safe and nurturing environment in which to live. Parents and families have the least to
fear even from violence prone teens. Thus, given the appropriate tools, concerned parents can
regain control of their family and exert a positive influence against potential gang involvement
and violence. The core of the program should be direct service to the high-risk youth ages 10-
18. Services are built around recognition that youth engage in acting out behavior due to a
breakdown in the effectiveness of traditional family/school/community structures where they
would normally fulfill needs for love, self-esteem, personal meaning stability and socialization.
