Prevention, treatment and punishment of youth gangs

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

10 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

07/07/2009

Category :

Political science

Sub category :

Social sciences

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Summary :

Introduction
Definition of a gang
History of youth gangs
Gang structure and behavior
Theories pertaining to gang membership
Risk factors of gang membership
Gang membership and delinquency
Prevention of gang membership
Intervention and treatment of youth gangs
Suppression and punishment of youth gangs
Conclusion and recommendations

Abstract

The prevalence of youth gangs is steadily increasing in the United States, with increased gang involvement and violence creating serious implications for both the adolescent population and communities as a whole. An article entitled "Childhood Risk Factors for Adolescent Gang Membership," stated that "gang members are more likely than nonmembers to commit violent offenses and property crime and to use drugs" (Hill, Howell, Hawkins, & Battin-Pearson, 1999, p. 301). The authors state that gang members are twice as likely to carry a gun, and more than three times as likely to engage in the sale of drugs. This aggressive behavior and involvement in drug use are not only detrimental to the individual involved in the gang, but also to his or her surrounding neighborhood and community. Due to this fact, it has become increasingly important to understand youth gangs: why young people choose to join gangs, how membership can be prevented, and what treatment and punishment options should be pursued for those already involved.