Gangs and intervention programs in middle schools

Gangs are growing at an alarming rate in the state of California. Latinos are particularly at risk for joining gangs in California. The two biggest and most dangerous gangs in California are: The Mexican Mafia, referring to Sureños; and The Nuestra Familia, best known as Norteños. The Salinas valley in particular, is no exception to this trend. Greenfield, California is a small town 32 miles south of Salinas that is experiencing its share of gang related problems. Extensive research and observation in the city of Greenfield, has shown systematic evidence of a city dealing with gang related fear. Middle school students are the main targets of gang recruitment efforts. Middle school students are persuaded to join gangs either because they have a family member who belongs to a gang or because they seek attention they do not get at home. The local middle school understands the need to prepare students to resist this temptation and has adopted two intervention programs to try and deter students from joining gangs