The largest and most comprehensive national gang survey to date, the 1997 National Youth Gang Survey, contacted nearly 5,000 law enforcement agencies across the country. To allow for both comparative and trend analysis, the 1997 survey used the same sample as the 1996 survey. Survey results indicate that the percentage of jurisdictions reporting…

This summary provides results from the 1998 National Youth Gang Survey, administered to a representative sample of city and county police and sheriff's departments nationwide. Results indicate that the percentage of jurisdictions reporting active youth gangs decreased from 51 percent in 1997 to 48 percent in 1998. About 780,200 gang members were…

Uses data from a multisite evaluation with a sample of 5,935 eighth graders to explore the extent to which gang girls are similar to gang boys. Findings indicate that girls in gangs are involved in a full array of illegal activities as frequently as are boys. Girls report greater isolation from family and friends than do boys. (SLD)

Used a theory-driven approach to evaluate a gang crime reduction program over 7 years. Data for 237 repeat juvenile offenders admitted to the program indicate a strong relationship between incarceration and gang crime trends and an overall reduction of 47% in gang crime. Discusses implications of the approach for program evaluation. (SLD)

It has been the contention of researchers that the "old heads" (identified by Anderson in 1990 and Wilson in 1987) of the ghettos and barrios of America have voluntarily or involuntarily left the community, leaving behind new generations of youth without adult role models and legitimate social controllers. This absence of an adult strata…

Results of this study indicate that violent offenses are more likely committed by youths acting alone. Nonviolent offenses are more likely committed in groups. Of female delinquencies, 57 percent were committed in groups. (Author)

Using a phenomenological model, examines eight male adolescents' perceptions of their gang membership. Interviews revealed such themes as self-esteem, a sense of belonging, and protection. Outlines implications for school counselors when working with gang members individually, in groups, with families, or during school interventions. (RJM)

Positive individual and social behaviors were assessed among male gang members and males involved in community-based organizations aimed at promoting positive youth development. Correlations of attribute scores were more often significant for the gang than for the nongang youth. Approximately one-quarter of the gang youth had total positive…

This qualitative research examined risk-taking behavior among Mexican American adolescent girls who are not formal gang members but are associated with male gangs. Findings illustrate how outcomes associated with sexual relations, partying, substance use, and crime vary according to the girl's relationship with the male gang and status within the…

Examined the influence of gang membership on rates of participation in sexual activity, substance use, and violence among African American adolescent girls. Found that gang members had higher participation rates in all three risk behaviors. (JPB)

The effects of a positive peer culture program upon the moral development of "youths in distress" within the framework of street-corner gangs was measured. Moral-development measures indicated a positive effect upon the participants, and for some moral indices, on their friends' moral development. (Author/LMO)

Gang membership and violence are pervasive across the United States. Today children, adolescents and young adults of all social classes and environments are susceptible to gang involvement. Gang members are getting younger and gang leaders are getting older. The composition and structure of the family is examined for the common element between…

Presents data from the mid-1960s regarding Black male delinquents' reports regarding female participation in delinquent activities and female influence on suppressing delinquent activities. (Author/DB)

Assesses whether students possess information about gangs that could be useful to primary and secondary education providers. A sample of 193 inner-city high school students, representative in terms of ethnicity, gender, and grade level, completed questionnaires. The data revealed that students are a feasible source of data on gangs. (GLR)

Orange County's public policy responses to youth gangs have involved overt suppression or educational interventions directed at ethnic minorities, particularly Chicanos. Such approaches overlook the multiethnic nature of gang violence and ignore the problem's roots--emerging economic, demographic, and residential patterns that produce…