Community-based Responses to Youth Gang Violence

1. Community-based Responses to Youth Gang Violence Adriana Beltrán Senior Associate for Citizen Security

2. WHAT IS WOLA? Non-governmental organization which promotes human rights, democracy and socioeconomic justice in Latin America. Founded in 1974, WOLA facilitates dialogue between governmental and non-governmental actors, monitors the impact of policies and programs of governments and international organizations, and promotes alternatives through reporting, education, training and advocacy.

3. Pillars of the citizen security program • Creation of police forces which are effective and respectful of due process and human rights • Promotion of holistic policies which include a focus on violence prevention and rehabilitation

4. WORK WITH COUNTERPARTSCentral American Coalition for the Prevention of Youth Violence (CCPVJ)

5. CENTRAL AMERICA & MANO DURA POLICIES Consequences • Ineffective • Violate human rights • Undermine reform processes and strengthening of the police force • Consider youth to be delinquents Mano Dura policies underline need for promotion of constructive strategies

6. “DARING TO CARE” • Description of community programs which deal with youth gang violence • 3 cases from Central America • 3 cases of Central American immigrant organizations in the US • Featured successful programs include a mix of prevention and rehabilitation activities

7. WHY THE COMPARITIVE VIEW? • Youth gang violence is a pressing problem in Central America and the United States • According to statistics, there are more than 800,000 gang members in the US and some are active members of the MS-13 and the 18th Street gang • Even with distinct patterns relating to their specific social situation, culture, and behavior, common elements exist between youth in Central American communities in the US and in Central America, as well as strong bonds between families and community • The countries of Central America and the United States have a lot to teach each other

8. The United States

9. CASE #1: IDENTITY • Montgomery County, Maryland • Personnel – Employs young people, many who themselves have participated in their programs • NGO, Receives financing from the federal and local governments and from private foundations

10. Programs Youth Outreach Programs • Informal talks held in schools • “Crossroads Youth Opportunity Center” – Offers social activities and helps connect young people with the social services and community programs that respond to their needs (e.g. mental health, legal assistance, recreational activities, etc.)

11. Programs (Cont.) Programs for at-risk youth • Discussion groups in middle and high schools about conflict resolution, health, drugs, family relations, etc. • Training of young educators • Retreats for leadership development • Parent workshops

12. Programs (Cont.) Rehabilitation and reintegration programs • Work with young Latinos in county correctional facilities (explain proceedings in Spanish, act as a liaison with the family and with the employment center for inmates) • Assembles social services to insure assistance upon inmate’s release

13. Youth Outreach Strategies within the Community • Collaborative relations between various local agencies (health and police department, public defenders office, department of corrections) • Regular meetings and open communication with the police department

14. CASE #2: COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION INITIATIVE (CMI) • Herndon, Virginia • Formed out of an increase in number of gangs coupled interest from community leaders and police in finding an comprehensive solution • Program of World Vision, an evangelical organization without any specific denominational affiliation • Personnel – Employs ex-gang members • Financing from federal and local governments

15. Programs Youth Outreach Programs • Informal talks in schools, churches, and community groups • Program awareness done in the streets Programs for High-risk Youth • Training on techniques for conflict resolution, community service, etc. • “Club DJ” – Communication through music • Leadership development • Parent workshops • Individual and group tutoring services

16. Programs (Cont.) Programs for Active Gang Members • Work one-on-one to accompany individuals through the process of leaving the gang

17. Community Outreach Strategies • One staff member who acts as community liaison • Participation in organizational meetings and local coalitions that focus on youth violence • Visits to schools, churches and other community service providers • Participation in daily meetings with police- access to direct line with police in case of emergencies

18. CASE #3: GANG INTERVENTION PARTNERSHIP (GIP) • Columbia Heights/Shaw, Washington, DC • Formed out of series of gang-related homicides • Emergency meeting of more than 200 law enforcement representatives, community agencies, and concerned residents to discuss a common strategy • Co-directed by Family Support Collaborative and local police

19. Programs Youth Outreach Programs • Informal talks held in schools • Workshops for families Programs for at-risk youth and active gang members • Individual counseling for young gang members • Group counseling with the family • Assistance for better access to social services

20. Community Outreach Strategies • Educational workshops and presentations for media and businesses, etc. about gangs • Weekly meetings between police and community organizations to reduce conflict levels and to share information about dangerous situations. Information about individuals is not shared. • Training of 15 agencies in youth gang intervention, problem resolution, etc. and maintenance of documentation system

21. CENTRAL AMERICA

22. CASE #1: PAZ Y JUSTICIA • Choloma, La Ceiba y Tocoa, Honduras • Affiliated with the Mennonite church in Honduras • Personnel – Recruits young leaders

23. Programs Youth outreach programs • Sex education program including HIV/AIDS education • Teacher, student and parent training for violence prevention and conflict resolution • Street accompaniment Programs with young gang members • Individual accompaniment/counseling • Work with parents on reintegration • Tattoo removal clinics

24. Community Outreach Strategies • Work closely with Catholic Church • Close relation with National Commission on Human Rights

25. CASE #2: EQUIPO NAHUAL • Soyapango, El Salvador • Financing from the Catholic Church of England

26. Programs Youth outreach programs • Youth gang member outreach and promotion in the street Programs for active gang members • Athletic tournaments • Skills-based and vocational workshops • Informal talks on social topics • Group and individual therapy

27. Community Outreach Strategies • Discussions with community groups over community concerns • Cooperation from the Catholic and Episcopal churches • Community forums with police officers, the local government, community task forces and partner organizations

28. CASE #3: GROUPO CEIBA • Guatemala • Personnel - Employees are graduates of their programs • Financing from international and multilateral agreements, private foundations, and a small amount of support from the Guatemalan government

29. PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESSFUL ANTI-GANG STRATEGIES

30. Central Role of Local Governments • The sustainability of prevention programs depends heavily on the participation of local governments in the definition, implementation and follow through on actions focusing on coexistence and citizen security, as well as their role as a channel for national and international funds.

31. THANK YOU For more information www.wola.org