V. Gang-Involved Offenders

Service Tools:

Once identified, staff should steer gang offenders to intervention programs specifically geared toward gang members. Given the strong relationship between gangs, violence and drugs, programs should address each of these issues. Handling them at the same time will increase the effectiveness of the intervention and the chances for successful completion.

Staff should be cognizant of the many safety issues regarding gang-related offenders. If possible, offenders should not be placed in any intervention with a rival gang member. This jeopardizes the safety of offenders as well as the lives of staff.

In addition, staff should identify resources and strategies that can help offenders "jump out" of gangs. Many gang members may wish to leave their gang but are threatened with injury or death if they do. Staff partnerships with community resources, including housing and employment offices, are critical in providing offenders viable alternatives to the gang lifestyle.

Drug-dealing gangs are another group that needs specific attention from treatment providers. These offenders need to be separated from the remaining population, again for safety reasons. Placing drug dealers into interventions with other offenders, some of whom may have substance abuse issues, gives the dealers a new flock of customers.