Florida Gang Reduction Strategy 2008 - 2012

6
Background: Extent of the Problem
is at a higher risk for
gang affiliation than
other students. 18 Negative
attitudes toward
school, frequent truancy,
suspension, numerous
school transitions, and
school dropout are recognized
as risks for gang
involvement. In addition,
a student who feels disconnected
from school or
threatened within school
is more vulnerable to
gang recruitment.
Students who perform at low levels of achievement
may be at a greater risk of being pulled in the direction
of criminal gangs because they desire the strong
feelings of achievement that the gang provides
almost instantly. Although the early infatuation
eventually fades, the young gang member is often
entirely immersed in the criminal gang lifestyle by
the time he/she realizes it, and is often unable to
separate themselves from the disastrous course. It
is essential for parents and school officials to work
together in identifying youth that run a higher risk
of gang affiliation, and to work in concert to prevent
at-risk youth from being initiated into a gang at an
early age.
Commitment to school is a major protective factor
in buffering youth at risk of engaging in violent
behaviors, such as those associated with gang
activities. 19,20 For youth at risk of gang involvement,
developing a feeling of connectedness and
commitment to school can reduce the likelihood
that he or she will drop out of school and/or become
involved in problem behaviors. Schools that
provide a safe learning environment, establish
discipline measures with positive supports, and
create opportunities for students to participate in
meaningful ways are characteristics of positive
school climate. Schools are a fundamental part of
any community’s anti-gang strategy because they
have the unique advantage of fostering key protective
factors for youth, reaching out to parents and
families, creating partnerships with law enforce-
Florida Gang Reduction Strategy
ment, and strengthening
linkages with
community partners.
Peer Risk and
Protective Factors
One of the strongest
correlations of a youth’s
risk for delinquency,
substance abuse, and
other forms of problem
behavior is their tendency
to spend time
with peers who engage in deviant behaviors. 21
Youth are more likely to join criminal gangs if they
have either a high commitment to delinquent peers
or a low commitment to positive peers. 22 If youth
surround themselves with delinquent peers who
use drugs or alcohol, distribute drugs, or have a
high proportion of gang affiliation the likelihood of
joining a gang goes up markedly. 23
ith h i d
Families and school officials can play a key role in
identifying when youth tend to break from their
normal routine to spend more time with unfamiliar
groups of friends who may be negatively influencing
the child. Actions to prevent children from
joining criminal gangs should not begin when
they reach high school, but must be initiated at an
early age when the influence of family and teachers
are at their most effective. Influencing when
and with whom a child is allowed to spend time
will decrease the opportunities of interacting with
criminal gang members and positively influence
their development.
Community Risk and Protective Factors
Cities, towns and rural communities are at risk
of increased threats of criminal gangs when they
tolerate cultural norms that support gang behavior
and fail to invest the social capital to oppose gangrelated
crime. 24 Other risk factors at the community
level associated with gang-related crime are the
prevalence of drugs and weapons in a community,
and the level of community disorganization. 25 This
is indicated by high crime rates, gang activity, poor