Gang
Prevention in Schools
Creating a Safe Haven
Katherine De Vito, DSW, LCSW
Graffiti shown on the wall of the Jose Ramon Montoya school in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, which represents MS-13 and 18 other neighborhood gangs. Source: AP Photo/Esteban Felix, Albuquerque Journal
G
Glamour:
Young people might be attracted to the flashy lifestyle.
A
Attachment Missing:
Young people look for a sense of belonging.
N
No Other Option: Young people may feel that joining a gang is their only choice.
G
Gang-involved Family & Friends:
Can heavily sway a decision to join.
S
Safety and Security:
Young people may join a gang for protection.
A community mourns a young man killed in gang violence.
Source: East Coast Gang Investigators Association
His mother did not want anything gang-related at her son's memorial, sending the strong message that senseless gang violence needs to stop.
Source: Chris LaChall/Courier Post
Special Agent Torres recounts the young man's story to students during a Gang Awareness presentation.
Lt. Torres Gang Gang Awareness - Lt. Torres
00:0000:00
P
R
E
V
E
N
T
I
O
N
What can school staff do?
School staff can provide attachment, hope, opportunities, and consistency. Schools can be a safe haven for young people in a threatening world.
"[Prevention] is like a seed of hope...what would give hope is opportunities...consistency...with people...I think would have definitely...changed my life." - "Josue" Former gang member
Source: COLETTE MILLER ANGEL WINGS MURAL by Elvert Barnes Photography
The following pictures depict elements of gang prevention.
