References

The prevalence of gang involvement among youth has worsened over the years. My research includes an overview of gang history and brief statistics on gang involvement in today’s society. The risk and protective factors associated with gang involvement are discussed. Specifically, I am concerned with motivations for gang membership, prevention programs that can be implemented, and with determining why some programs have been unsuccessful. I hope to design an effective program that will be implemented as a preventive measure. Its primary purpose will be to reduce gang membership and to educate students about the negative consequences of gang involvement. The proposed program would be introduced to students in the third grade. The curriculum would focus on goal-setting strategies, individual responsibility, conflict resolution techniques, and the dangers of becoming involved with gangs