Targeted Outreach: Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Approach to Gang Prevention and Intervention

This report examines two initiatives developed by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in cooperation with local clubs, to address the problem of youth gangs in their communities. One strategy is designed to help youth stay out of the gang lifestyle -- Gang Prevention through Targeted Outreach. The second helps youth get out of gangs and away from their associated behaviors and values -- Gang Intervention through Targeted Outreach. The findings indicate the initiatives are able to reach and retain hard-to-reach youth and have positive effects on those involved, including reduction in several delinquent and gang-associated behaviors and more positive school experiences