The Gang Intervention Program
is a phase program for youth who have been referred as a result of delinquency referrals from law enforcement to a Juvenile Justice agency. The purpose of the Gang Court is to address the youth’s legal matters, provide intensive supervision, referrals to community resources, and opportunities for prosocial activities. The program is designed to equip youth and families with skills to maintain a healthy and pro-social lifestyle. Successful completion of the program requires regular contact with the Juvenile Counselors, compliance to program rules, participation in pro-social activities, and successful completion of a gang intervention curriculum called “How to Live Free.”
Contacts include office visits with Juvenile Counselors, home visits, individual/family counseling, drug and alcohol treatment, and involvement with community agencies. Program length may vary; however participation in the program typically lasts 9-12 months. The length of the Phase Program is contingent on individual progress towards completion of the overall objectives.
For youth on Formal Probation their participation in the Phase Program, may allow for their probation to be terminated earlier as a result of successfully completing the program. Youth, who engage in this program prior to the court’s disposition, successful completion of the program may result in dismissal of the filed petition(s). Progress through the three phases of the Gang Court program is determined by each youth’s successful completion of the objectives of that phase.
Phase One Objectives—3 to 4 Months. In Phase One, the goal is to identify and address the negative behaviors. As youth progress through Phase One, the youth will learn how to take control of their behaviors and start accepting responsibility for their actions. Youth is expected to complete Steps 1-0 of the How To Live Free Curriculum. Parents are expected to follow through on the Parental Supervision Plan.
Phase Two Objectives–2-3 Months. Youth have displayed a commitment to honesty and change to their lives through completion of the requirements of phase one. Youth are engaged in pro-social activities and have been following through with the expectations of their case plan. The youth should be able to identify high risk situations (people, places, emotions) that put them at risk of gang involvement. During Phase Two, the youth and Juvenile Counselor will complete a safety plan that helps to distance them from the gang lifestyle. Youth are working diligently on an educational plan and setting goals to become successful. The parents are expected to follow through with the parental supervision plan and take more responsibility to help their child succeed, with positive reinforcement.
Phase Three—2-3 Months. In Phase Three youth have demonstrated behavioral changes that have had positive impacts in his/her life. During this phase the youth will demonstrate that they can follow through with program expectation with minimal supervision.