Gang Intervention and Desistence Strategies

*E'A opB NATIONAL GNNC CENTER BuLLETIN

No. 8 f anuary 2Ol3 Getting Out of GanS, Staying Out of Gangs3 Gang intervention ancl Desistence StateSes Michelle Arciaga Young, National Gang Center Victor Gorrzale4 Houston Mayor's Anti-Gang Office lntroduction exposure/involvement with drug and alcohol use/abuse, and increased risk of victimization. As early as 7927, Adults working with gang-involved clients often have researcher Ffederick Thrasher noted that participation questions about the reasons that individuals remain in gangs reduces the gang member's connections to involved in gangs long-term, and how they can assist other mainstream social pursuits: teenagers andyoung adults withleavingthe gang. Tttis ". . . his conception of his rcle is more vivid with article describes the pivotal life points at whichtargeted reference to his gang than to other social gzoups. gang interventions may have increased effectiveness, Srnce he lives largely in the present, he conceives of and recommendations for strategies. the partthatheis playing inlife asbeing inthe giltg; A considerable amount of gang research over the fusstatus with other groups is unimportant to him, past 30 years has identified factors leading to gang for the gang is fu'ssocial world." (1963/1927; p. 231) membership, including specific "pushes" and "pulls" This process has been referred to as "knifing off" that influence an individual's decision to join a gang. (Moffitt, 1993), as the gang member cuts ties to other Individuals may be pushed into gangs because of important social groups and organizations such as negative outside factors, barriers, and conditions family, friends, schools, and religious community to in their social environment such as poverty, family focus more intensively on gang participation and problems, and lack of success in school. At the same identity, leading to higher levels of delinquency. time, they may also be pulled into gangs because the Research conducted with 6th- to 9th-grrade students gang offers a perceived benefit (Decker and Van Winkle, in 15 schools with reported gang problems found that 1996) such as safety/protection, love and support, "the onset of gang membership was associated with an excitement, financial opportunities, and a sense of 82 percent increase in delinguency frequency." (Melde belonging. and Esbensen, 2071., p. 535) Until recently, very few studies have examined the As a gang member is pushed/pulled into the gang, the factors that may contribute to an individual's decision e>rperience of gang membership further separates him to leave the gang (desistence). Longitudinal studies from successful participation in mainstream society, in cities with emerging gang problems conclude that worsening the social conditions he experiences, turnover of membership in gangs is constant, and most and escalating his involvement in crime. Long-term gang members report staying in the gang for one year or gang membership is associated with an escalating less (Hill et al., 2OO7; Peterson et al., 2OO4; Thornberry et succession of effects such as dropping out of school, al., 2003; Ttrornberry et al., 2OO4). Research with former increased risk of teen fatherhood/pregnancy, and gang members indicates that marginal and short-term lack of employment success (Thornberry, et al., 2003; gang members generally are able to leave the gang Thornberry, et a1.,2004). The longer an individual is without serious consequences (Decker and Lauritsen, involved in gangs, the more severe the effect becomes, 2OO2: Decker and Van Winkle, 1996). However, field and the grreater the distance between the gang member studies conducted on a smaller scale in Los Angeles and the mainstream. and Chicago in entrenched gang areas (Horowitz, 1983; Moore, 1991) found that gang members remained in Why Gang Disengage: gangs for a longer period of time and that the decision Members to leave a gang is more complicated. The ability and Pushes Plus Pulls gangs willingmess of individuals to leave appears to be Desistence research has similarly identified a set of related to fastors such as the longevity of an individual's factors that may push or pull individuals out of gang gang, participation in the and how established and participation. Irrterviews with former gang members gang severe the level of activity is in the community. in Ftesno and Los Angeles, California, and St. Louis, Even short-term gang involvement can have long-term Missouri, found that both internal (pulls) and external effects, including increased participation in crime, (pushes) factors, or a combination of pushes/pulls, school problems, decreased employment prospects, provided the impetus and opportunity to leave the

I gang (Pyrooz and Decker, 2071). Push factors "make fastors that appear to inlluence gang desistence have persistence in that social environment unappealing, implications for gang intervention progrramming. they are viewed as 'pushing' the individual away from the gang" (Decker and Pyrooz,2077,p.t2). PuIl factors, Using Gang Desistence Research altematively, are "circumst€lnces or situations that attract individuals to altemative routes. . . toward new activities to lclentify Leverage Points pathways" (Decker p. arrd and Pyrooz,2Ol7, 72). Desistence research highlights crucial leverage points Most desistence studies note that the effects of in a gang member's life that may lead him to reconsider these pushes and pulls are cumulative. Former gang and end his gang membership. These e:qreriences members in Los Angeles noted that maturity, increased include involvement with the criminal justice system, family commitments, and peer victimization created negative contacts with law enforcement, victimization a snowballing effect which, in combination, led to by other gang members, periods of disruption of the decision to disengage from the gang (Vigil, 1998). the framework of the g"ng, and client maturation/ Research with gang members in St. Louis found that life change events such as a romantic relationship, exposure to gang-related violence involving the gang pregnancy, birth of a cNld, family health issues, etc. member, his close friends, and/or family members led (Decker and Lauritsen, 2OO2). \Mhether these points the individual to renounce ties to the gang (Decker and occrrr abruptly or over a period of time, they influence Lauritsen,2002). Decker and Lauritsen note: "Familial the client's view of his own gang membership and its ties and victimization experiences were cited far value to him. more often than institutional affiliations as reasons to These leverage points provide an opportunity when gang." (2002, p. 58) terminate the ties to the clients who have previously been committed to the gang Increased family responsibilities and, in particular, lifestyle may become more receptive to alternatives: provide the birth of a child, also may an incentive for a "Many of these gang members, though lacking major lifestyle change for gang "For many members: work opportunities and experience, aspire to lead a young men, fatherhood acts as a significant turning " conventional Life, " particularly to obtain legitimate point, facilitating a shift away from gang involvement, employment, to have their own place, and to crime and drug sales; a decline in substance abuse; have a family. They are cognizant of their limited and engagement with education and legitimate educational background and lack of technical (Moloney, p. employrnent" et. al., 2009, 306). training, and realize that thet future employment prospects lie in low-paid occupations un/ess Pushes Pulls they can obtain further education. . .Where . Grew out of the gang . Familial responsibilities they may once have been uninterest,ed or lifestyle . Job responsibilities disdainful of various job-opportunity, training, programs, . Criminal justice system . Significant other or educational after fatherhood many were increasingly desirous of such supports, lnvolvement . Moved but sometimes found them difficuit to access." . Police harassment or . Family left the gang (Moloney et aL., 2009, p. 318). pressure . Gang fell apart . Personal or vicarious Using these leverage points to focus gang victimization intervention activities may increase long-term Decker and Lauritsen, 2011 progrrarnmatic effectivenes s.

Each individual who is involved in gangs has a Creating a Gang Desistence PIan tolerance limit for the negative experiences connected lMhile the majority of desistence research has focused with his gang membership. When that limit is on gang members' reasons for leaving the ganel, reached, the negatives of gang membership start to research conducted with 91 gang-involved fathers outweigh the positives (Pyrooz et al., 2010), and other in San FYancisco (Moloney et al., 2009) focused on alternatives become more appealing. Decker and ftpooz their long-term success at staying out of gang and note that: criminal involvement. Ttre personal circumstances of ". .many of the people interviewed talked about these research subjects demonstrate the long-term how things eventually built up for them and negative effects of gang affiliation and separation from they had to find a new lifestyle-that the gang mainstream pursuits: lilestyle and its attendant pressures (arrests, being stopped by the police, living under the threat of 'Zess than half received a high-school diploma, antd victimization) just got to be too much for them. more than one-quarter dropped out of school and Ihese presst)res, coupled with increasing family and never returned. . .Close to half of the fathers had jobs, job responsibilities,laid the groundwork for getting although the overall median job income was out of gang Life." (2011, p. 13) relatively low at U.S. $1,300 per month. Additional income among gang fathers carne from a variety While the combination of factors that lead to gang of sources, especially drug sales. " (Moloney et a1., desistence is different for each individual, the overall 2009, p.310).

) While little research has been conducted on long-term attemptedto leave the gang have beenthreatened, gang desistence strategies, more extensive research assaulted, and even killed. Any adult working with on criminal and substance abuse desistence can help gang members should be aware of the potential to inform gang intervention strateenes. Best practices risks and consequences, both to the gang member in those areas include removing barriers which may and to his family, and ensure that any advice that keep the individual stuck in a life of gangs and crime is given takes these risks into consideration. Gang while simultaneously helping the individual to gain and interventionists also should ensure that they are maintain "nev\r adult roles and responsibilities" and familiar with local gangs, their rivalries, territories, affirming these steps forward (Hussong et al., 2OO4). and current activities and conflicts. Further, research by Moloney et al. (2009) provides insights into components of interventions with gang Clients should be advised not to openly discuss members that may increase long-term success with leaving the gang with their gang or its leaders, or desistence. to participate in departure rituals such as getting cliqued or jumped out. These approaches can Gang interventionists can help gang members who are result in serious harm to the client. In most cases, seeking to leave the gang lifestyle by providing them gradually disconnecting (fading away) from the with accurate advice about transitioning out of gangs gang is the best approach. Gang interventionists and helping them desigm a plan for leaving the gang also must be careful not to share information lifestyle. This gang desistence plan should identify/ about the client's plan with other gang members remove barriers and replace them with appropriate or clients. opportunities to successfully reenter the mainstream world. Ttre risks posed to individual gang members vary by community and individual, so interventionists Step l: Remove barriers must carefully address the following considerations with each client: Without a high school diploma, and with more street . skills than employment skills, the gang member who Is the gang member or his family at risk of immediate decides to change his life may quickly run into barriers harm for cutting ties with the gang? to the noncriminal world. These barriers might include . Does his gang typically threaten or victimize lack of education and/or literacy, lack of employment individuals who try to leave? work, unfamiliarity skills, Iack of documents needed to Based on the answers to these questions, the of employment, unfamiliadty withthe methods obtaining interventionist should work with the client to with the protocols necessary to succeed on the job, and develop a plan for the client's departure from the personal issues such as anger management issues, gang. Ttris plan should include the following steps: family conflict, mental health issues, and involvement in substance abuse. . Avoid direct confrontations and making statements about leaving the gang Interventionists should help gang-involved clients . Spend less time with the gang/individual gang identify and remove barriers that currently keep them members from leaving the gang and participating in prosocial activities. These might include the following: . Focus on court/tamily/schooVwork responsibilities . Threat of violeace from tt.e gang . Practice refusal skills and excuses "Blood in, blood out" is a co[rmon phrase used by . Notify interventionist/law enforcement in the street gangs to describe the process of entering event of safety concerns and leaving a gang, though it is rarely acted upon Adults gang in a fatal manner. It can be interpreted as follows: can help members who are seeking gang members may shed their blood (during to leave the gang litestyle by providing them with gangs the initiation) to get into the gang, and they are accurate advice about transitioning out of plan freguently told that they have to shed their blood and helping them design a tor leaving the gang. to get out. However, most individuals are able to leave their Ideally, the client's desistence plan should limit his gangs without the threat of violence. Interviews ability to spend time with other gang members by conductedby Decker and Pyrooz (2077) with former increasing his participation in alternative activities gang members found that the overwhelming $oblschool/spending time with family). It may also majority (91 percent) "just left their gang and did include family or criminal justice sanctions such as not have to engage in any exceptional means to curfews, no-contact probation orders, electronic quit" (p. 13). monitoring, etc. In the worst cases, though, gang members are Clients also need coaching on making excuses if threatened with death if they leave the gang. In they are directly confronted by the gotrg, using prison g€ulgs, this threat of violence is occasionally family members to provide a barrier to gang carried out. It also has been asted upon by street attempts to reach them, and on how to reach out to eJangs, and in some cases, gang members who interventionists and/or law enforcement if they are

3 directly or indirectly threatened. In some situations, more extreme solutions such as moving or relocation Changing Sell Inage may be required to protect an individual from gang retaliation or punishment FTank K. joined the JAA when he was 1A years old. . He had a poor relationship with his parents, and his External identification as a gang mentber younger brother eventually joined the gurg as well. Gang symbols, clothing, tattoos, and other visual Frank K. gradually gained stature in the g{tg. By cues can mark an individual as a gang member, age 79, he was given responsibility for recruitment making the transition out of the gang more of new members and for ensuring that all of the difficult and dangerous. Gang attire and tattoos schoo/s in the gang's tenitory were controlled by pose barriers to educational and employment JOA members. His younger brother played a similar opportunities and acceptance in mainstream role in the gang. In 2017, Ftar* K. was assaulted by pursuits, and they also can lead to confrontations prison gang members in retaliation for a homicide with rivals and enemies. committed by JOA, and his home was burglarized by the prison gang. As a rexilt, Flank K. decided The gang member should be asked to identify to decrease his gang involvement to protect himself clothes associated with the gang lifestyle and to and tu's family. discard them. Highly visible gang tattoos also should be identified, hidden, and considered for Ffank K. met with a giltg intervention specialist to removal or masking. The interventionist should dr'scuss his future goals. While he was contident identify resources that can provide the gang about his leadership skills rn his gang, he was member with alternative clothing through the use unsure how to be a good father, boyfriend, and of vouchers, guided shoppingtrips, donations from role model to h.rs brother. Over a period of months, thrift stores and/or dry cleaners, and corporate the interventionist worked with Ftank to help sponsors. A shopping trip with coaching by the him identify changes he should make, including gang interventionist can provide the client with removing gang tattoos, changing his style of dress, guidance on work-appropriate clothing choices. and reducing the amount of time he spent with Partnering with local medical professionals or tattoo the gang. Flank K. suffered a few setbacks during removal facilities to perform free or low-cost tattoo this process, including being fired for having an removals also can be helpful. argument with another employee. Howeve1 the The interventionist should help the gang member interventionist continued to encourage Ftat* K's identify danger zones where rivals may be present behavioral changes, meeting with him two to three (on the bus, at school, on certain street corners, times a week to dr'scuss his daily activities and in certain neighborhoods) and help the individual helping him change hr's behavior patterns. Prior develop an action plan to avoid encountering rival to each tattoo-remoyal session, Frank K. also met gang members and/or to respond to an inadvertent with his intenrentionist to discuss the internal and confrontation. external changes he was making. Long-term gang members with high-profile street The interventionist a]so assisted Frank with reputations are likelyto e:

4 . Iaternal identification as a gang member 1991), 32 percent of the fathers of gang members Gang membership provides an individual with who were interviewed stated that thefu children an identity linked to aggression and violence. belonged to the same gang to which the fathers had Giordano, Schroeder, and Cernkovich (2007) once belonged, and 11 percent statedthat as many characterized this self-concept as an "anger as four generations had belonged to the same gang. and noted that individuals involved in Miller (2001) found that 79 percent of the female identity" gang gangs came to view themselves as having low members she interviewed had at least one family member involved in gangs, and 60 percent levels of impulse control and ahair-triggertendency gangs. to resort to violence. had two or more family members involved in In multigenerational gang families, interventions The gang member's internal identity also may with gang members who wish to leave the gang include a script that describes what it means to can be extraordinarily difficult, because the be a man/woman, methods of self-protection, family may be antagonistic and unsupportive the role of the opposite sex, one's standing in the toward the client's efforts to change. In such community, ways to obtain respect, and a view of instances, residential progrrams outside the home success. Ttrese scripts are shaped bythe processes area that offer strustured educationaVvocational of gang involvement and even may be survival opportunities, like the Job Corps progrram, may be mechanisms. However, these internal scripts are a helpful alternative. often incompatible withthe prosocial changes that the client wishes to make. The client's desistence Interventionists often find that gang members plan should identify internal scripts that may pose a e:rperience multiple barriers to leaving the gang. The barrier betweenthe client andthe mainstream, artd desistence plan should prioritize the most serious should devise strategies to change these scripts. barriers first, and then work with gang members over . Mental health/substance issues time to systematically address and/or remove these barriers. In some rare instances, the danger to a gang Marry gang-involved clients have untreated mental member attempting to leave the gang may be so grreat healthissues such as posttraumatic stress disorder, that the individual is required to relocate outside the anger management issues, attention deficit local area or even to another state. If so, collaboration disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, etc. In with other local agencies, particularly law enforcement, some cases, these clients maycope withuntreated is vital to protect the individual's safety. mental health issues by using drugs and/or alcohol. It is important for the gang interventionist to work closely with the client to identify substance abuse/ Step 2z Help the client "gain and mental health issues and then support the client maintain" adult responsibillties in dealing with these issues. Tlrpically, the gang . Help the client reenvision his personal identity interventionist is not a substance abuse treatment provider, but interventionists should develop The development of internal gang-influenced relationships with local providers, learn about scripts was discussed earlier. Tb successfully leave available services, be able to explain the treatment the gang andrejointhe mainstream, the client must process and services to clients, help the client rewrite his internal identity, including methods of access services, and "bridge" the client into these handling conflict, gender identity, criminal behavior, services by providing transportation and going with personal ethics, interpersonal relationships, and the client to initial meetings to provide support. sense of personal safety. This is a long-term process. . Dependence on the gang tor social support Gang interventionists can help the client identify his "gang programming" and the gang- For many clients, the gang serves as their primary influenced scripts that are incompatible with his mechanism of social support. The gangrepresents goals, as well as rethink his progrrammed "garg" friendship, family, and community. Wtrenthe client responses to a variety of situations. leaves the gang, this source of love and support For instance, street-thinking would suggest a is lost. Gang members in transition often have violent response to perceived disrespect or criticism dfficulties developing new social connections to to avoid losing face with violent peers. On the replace their former gang associates. Addressing job, however, the former gang member is going to this barrier will require the interventionist to have to learn other methods for responding to his facilitate sources of new social support forthe client, boss and fellow employees if a conflict arises. To including working with the family, identifyingrnew support these changes, it may be helpful for the peer (froups, and identifymg a support network for client to participate in evidence-based therapeutic the client at school, at work, and in the community. interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy or aggrression replacement therapy. Ttrese tl4pes . Multigeneratioaal Gaua,g hrailies of prograrns address critical thinking errors and Numerous studies have documented the existence interpersonal skill deficits while providing gang of multigenerational gang affiliation in entrenched members with new tools for handling difficult gang €ueas. In one study (Sanchez-Jankowski, situations as they reframe their self-images.

5 Ongoing coaching by interventionists is also helpful to support these internal changes as the Providing Employment Support client redefines his identity as a person, parent, and member of the community. Instead of being Mathis is a 34-year-old OB gang member who has proud of his prowess in fighting, for instance, the sewed multiple short, prison sentences and twicaily gang member can be encouraged to take pride as reoffendedwithin 2-3 months atter release. During provider, good parent, positive a breadwinner and hr's last period of incarceration, he participated in role model, and successful employee, among his gang intenrention activities for about five months. other positive responsibilities. As a result of his participation in these activities, he . HeIp the client set and achieve goals realized the importance of being involved in the lives Gang clients may be unclear about their personal of his wile and children. He decided that gaining and professional goals and also may feel trapped legitimate employment was important to avoid by the number of steps they must take in order to rctwning to his previous involvement in drug saJes. reach those goals. Because of the qtrick pace and fatalistic mentality of the gang lifestyle, gang clients After release, Mathis reconnected with his family also may have difficulty being emotionally engaged for a tew weeks and then a met with a gang in long-term outcomes. A gang interventionist can interventionist to discuss employment options. use techniques such as motivational interviewing Mathis aad hrs wife had many questions. Matds to help a client identify short-, medium-, and long- previously had negative experiences working with term goals. Then the interventionist can help the employment agencies and felt that they did not client break these goals dovrrn into manageable help him find a job. The intervention specialist tasks and walk the client through the process of reassured Mathis that the intervention agency goals. achieving these smaller provided regalar taining to the employment agency For instance, a client whose long-term goal is to get on working with gang members. He also told him a job currently cannot do so because he does not about the progta;m's successes with other giltg- have a driver's license. His short-term goal would involved clients. be to obtain a driver's license. Ttre interventionist can help him create a short list of tasks that he The intervention specialr'st spent time dl'scussiagr must complete to get his driver's license: locate the process of working with the employment his birth certificate/socid security card/proof of agency, and helped Mathis gather identitication residency, clear up traffic tickets, and study for documents and enroll in the employment agenqr's his driver's test. Successfully completing each of computerized client database. The intervention these tasks will bring the client closer to meeting specialist also personally introduced Mathis to an goals. his short-term and long-term Once these employment counselor with experience working tasks are accomplished and the goal is met, the with gang-involved clients. This introduction helped interventionist can help the client by mentally feel more process. reviewing the process, acknowledging the client's Mathis comfortable with the success and/or missteps, and using the goal-setting While talking to the employment counselor, Mathis and task-identification process to help the client discJosed that he wanted a job, but that he had no with his next goal. idea what tpe of work he would like to do. The Accomplishing short-term goals helps build the employment counselor dl'scussed several options client's self-confidence, which, in time, can help with Mathis, including welding classes, and even sustain the momentum of his long-term goals. If showed Mathis how he could obtain funding to pay the client gets discouraged, the interventionist for this training. Shortly after this meeting, Mathis can help him revisit the goals he has successfully decided to delay accepting fuLl-time employment completed. This serves to remind the client that and ewolled in the welding certification progJram. change is along-termprocess, butthathe is making lMile in the welding prograrn, Mathis met with his consistent and measurable progress. intenrention specialist two to tlvee tirnes a week plan and . Provid.e accesa to educational opportunities to dr'scuss fus desjstence daily activities. Atter Mathis completed Ns welding certitication, he The interventionist should work closely with a decided to enroll in an advartcedwelding cotu.r:se to Iocal educational agency to assess the client's educational status and identify any literacy increase his employability and earnings. deficits. Providing the client with maximum Five months after his rclease from prison, Mathis results as quickly as possible is crucial. Gang continues to do well and has not reoffended. As interventionists should identify the fastest way for a result of his welding certifications, he can earn the individual to complete or catch up on his high $18-$20 per hour in the locai job market. .Ele rs school education using credit recovery programs, proud of his accomplishments, as are his wife general (GED) classes, equivalency degree and cMldren. educational as sistance prognams, alternative school settings, or programs within mainstream high

6 schools that serve high-risk students. Once the initial educational goal is accomplished, the client Streagtiheaing tumily Bonds should be encouraged to identify future vocational/ educational goals. To effectively assist clients, Jason 78-year-old gang member who interventionists needto build relationships and gain is an familiarity with the services of local educational was referred to gurg intervention services by progrrams and services, such as those offered by juvenile probation when he was 75 years old. local school districts, community colleges and Jason maintained infrequent contact with giltg technical centers, neighborhood and alternative intervention personnel over a two-year period educational progrrams, and government agencies while he rotated in and out of the juvenile such as vocational rehabilitation. justice . system and struggled with his parents' Provide access to economic opportunities substance addictions. Eventually, Jason moved Gang interventionists should help clients identify in with his girlfriend's tamily, and her parents short- and long-term employment goals and work assumed guardianship of him. His girltriend with clients over time to ensure that they are ready became pregnant and gave birthto a son. Jason to work; that they have addressed any educational juvenile deficits, substance abuse, or mental health issues; successfully completed probation but and that the employment opportunities provided couJd not maintain employment because of his "set the clients up to succeed." It can take a literacry issues. considerable amount of work for a client to be ready to start employment. In the short-term, however, Jason's primary goal was to gain employment the individual may need to earn money immediately in the trarrspoftation industry so he corild take by doing less-skilled work for less pay. care of his son and girlftiend. He also wished to These types of jobs can help the client build a rebuildhis relatiottsMp withhis parents, who were work history, identify problematic thinking and working to address their substartce addic.tions. behaviors, and teach the client basic work skills, The gang intewentionist cowtected Jason with such as showing up on time and getting along with a local progJram that helped him access necessary presented to the client coworkers. They should be get as stepping stones to his long-term goals. The identification docwnents and enrolled in an client's long-term plan should include opportunities online high school diploma program to address to earn more pay and attain greater professional htis literacy deficits and complete his GED. The respect. Steps the client must take to accomplish interventionist also helped Jason access fanily participation that long-term goal might include in counseling seruices so he could start rebuilding vocational training, college or technical classes, a relationship with his parents and develop more and/or employrnent training prosframs that provide job opportunities in skilled fields. etfective skills to p€rent his young son. Interventionists should understand that employment Dwing repeated meetings with his intervention that meets the client's need to feel respected for specialist, Jason shared that his biggest tear was gang his work is crucial to long-term desistance having fus son ask him about his gang-related success: tattoos. With the assistance of his intervention "When they managed to break into a iob specialist, he ewolled in a tattoo removal progtan. in which they had a sense of dignity, gang During the tattoo removal process, the intentention fathers were more likely to su,stain those jobs longer. . .On the other hand, employment in specialist received information that the gang was menial jobs such as janitorial, restaurartt work, considering rctaliation against Jason for leaving retail sa/es, and telemarketing was often short- the gang. The interuention sp*ialist helped Jason lived, inconsistent, and instrumentally and explain to the garzg that he was focusing on taldng intrinsically (Moloney et a1., 2009, unfulfiIling." care of p.318). his fatnily and accomplishing his career goals. The intervention specialist also helped Once has employment is a client obtained or Jason create a plan to avoid future interactions attending training/education classes, the role of the interventionist is to continue to support his with the gang. Jason successfrilly completed his success and provide coaching to help him resolve high schal diploma, received his transportation any difficulties. It may take a client more than worker identitication credentials, and obtained an one try to succeed at maintaining employment, entry-Ievel position. and interventionists should be prepared for this possibility. Interventionists cannot assume IIe is cunently working and taking care of his son that the client will just understand how to be and girlfriend. successful at maintaining employment. Instead, an interventionist should continue to meet with a client

7 on an ongoing basis to discuss his daily problems While the decision to leave a gang may be a sudden and successes, provide feedback, identify areas one, gang desistance should be viewed as a long- for improvement, encourage the client's goals, and term, gradual process. It took time for the client praise his efforts. to become a gang member, and it will take time , Provide support to bolster the client's etforts for him to develop new patterns of behavior, to to change finish educational and career goals, andto distance himself emotionally from his complex relationship \Mhen the social structure that the gang provided is to the gang. Ttrere may be potholes, bumps, stops, no longer present in the client's life, it is crucial to and starts duringthe gang desistance journey, and teach the client how to seek out and gain support these are no different from any other difficulties that can help sustain his positive efforts. It is also faced by individuals who set out to accomplish a important to provide the client with opportunities goal or change their lives. and coaching to help him gain access to more positive peer groups where he can meet his need for belonging and socialization. Interventionists Conclusion can help facilitate this process by introducing the individual to recreational, educational, social, and In summary, gang interventionists should remain faith-based programs. cognizant of the following: As part of the desistence planning process, the . Effectiveness with clients is increased when client (with coaching from the interventionist) can leverage points are utilized to help clients recognize identify adults who willprovide ongoing assistance: that they are ready to leave the gang and live in a parents, relatives, teachers, social services different way. providers, and religious leaders. The individual should identify supportive adults in different . Interventionists should have a current working aspects of his life (neighborhood, home, school, knowledge of local gangs and gang dynamics. community agencies, probation/parole) who can be . Interventionists shotrld coach clients on interactions available if the individual has a problem or needs with the gang and avoiding to talk. The adults in this support network can safety risks. assist by being available, providing good advice, . Interventionists should work to establish and helping as needed. firese adults also must connections with law enforcement and criminal be briefed so they clearly understand the possible justice agencies to address issues withclient safety. risks and dangers to tNs client, and howto respond appropriately. . Interventionists should establish relationships with agencies that assist with education, tattoo removal, . Strengthen tamily bonds employment, substance abuse, family problems, Protective factors that have been found to support and other services clients need. substance abuse and antisocial behavior desistence include strong family ties, solid personal and/or . Gang desistence is a long-term process that marital relationships, and meaningrful employment involves helping the clients identify and change (Hussong et al., 2004). It is likely that these their self-image, internal scripts, personal behavior, same protective factors also apply to gang and goals. desistance, particularly in light of the weight . Desistence plans need to be developed revised that is given to these factors when former gang and as necessary based on a client's current needs members articulate their reasons for leaving the gang (Decker and Pyrooz, 2077). For this reason, . Interventionists should reach out to parents, family interventionists should assess the support for the members, and supportive professionals who can clients' life changes intheir home and interpersonal encouragie and support clients' efforts to change. relationships and intervene where necessary to help address problems. Gang intervention Gang affiliation creates wide-ranging negative effects strategies might include reducing/mediatingr family on individuals that can last throughout their lives. T?rese conflicts; helping clients build their relationships include reduced educational attainment, unemployment with p arent s/s iblings/family member s/s i gnifi c ant or underemployment, poverty, and family crises. All of others; teaching parents of gang members more these effects can escalate over time. effective family management skills; assisting clients who are preparing for the birth of a child; For these reasons, it is particularly important that future helping clients learn effective parenting skills; research on gang desistence, including identification and providing opportunities for families to spend of factors predictive of success or failure in leaving the positive time together. Interventionists also should efangr, be conducted, and that existing research be used be prepared to help clients access evidence-based to inform and strengrthen current gang intervention programs designed to strengthen and support activities. Achieving success in gang intervention can family bonds, such as functional family therapy, have a profound effect, not only on that individual, but when necessary. on his community, peers, family, and children.

8 Sources Decker, S. H., and Lauritsen, J.L.2OO2. "Brsaking the Bonds of Membership: Leaving the Gang," in C. R. Hutr (ed.), Gargrs ,rI rrneica III (pp.103-122), Thousand Oaks, Califomia; Sage hrblications, Inc.

Decker, S. H., and VaD Winkle, B. 1996. UIe in the Gang: ,&mily, fuiends, and. Wolenca, New York: Cambridge University Pre8s.

Decker, S. H. and Pyrooz, David C. 2011. "Leaving the Gang: Logging Off and Moving On," Council on fureign Eglau'ons Press, online: http://www.cft.orglcounterradicalization/8ave-supporting-document-leaving-gaag/p. 26590 (October 12, 2013).

Giordano, P D., Scibroeder, R. D,, and Cemkorich, S. A. (2007). "Emotions and Crime Over tlxe Life Course: A Neo- Meadian Perspsctive on Criminal Continuity and Cbangre. " American Joumd of Sociology 112(6): pp. 1603-1661.

Hill, K. G., Lui, C., aDd llawkins, J. D. 2001. "Early Precursors of GaDg Membership: A Study of Seattle Youth." (OJJDP Juvenile Justice Bulletin.) Youtlx Gang Serres. Washington, DC: U.S. DspartDxent of Justice, Of6ce of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (Adobe PDF)

Horowitz, R. 1983. Ilonor a.rrd tie Afrrerican Dream, New Brunswick, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press.

Hussong, A., Curran, P, Mofdtt, T., Caspi, A, and Carrig, M. 2004. "Substance AbuBe Hinders Desistance in Young Adults' Antisociat Behavior," Deveropment and Psrchopg'thology 76,w.7024-1046. Cambridge,IrK: Cambridge University Press.

Melde, Chris aDd EsbeDsen, FiDn Aage, 2011. "Gang Membership as a Turning Point in th€ Life Course," Criminology,49 (2), pp. 51H52.

Miler, J. 2001 . One of the GUW: G,rls, Gangs and Gender. New York, O:dord University Press. Mof6tt T. E. 1993. "Adolsscence-Limited and Life-Course-Persistont Anti-Social Bebavior: A Devslopmental th:.onomy," .Pqyclological Beview, 100, pp. 67al-701. Molouey M., MaclGnzie K, Hunt G., and Joe-Laidler 2009. "Ihe Path aDd Promiss of Fatherhood for Gang Members.' Bdti.rh JounalotoriminologilL 49, pp. 305-325. Odord, [,K: o,dord University Press. Accesssd online at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/erticles/pmc263018, (Flebruary 15, 2013)

Moore, J. l/U 1997. Going Down to the Barrio: Homeboys and Homegbls in Change, Philadelphia, Pennaylvania: Tbmple University Press.

Peterson, D., Thylor, T. J., and Esbensen, E 2004. "Gang Membership and Violent Victimization," Justtiqe Auafie y 21(4), pp. 794-415.

Pyrooz, David C., Scott H. Decker, and Vincent J. Webb, 2070. "The fies that Bind: Desistance Fyom Gangs," Crime and Delinquency. Sage Journals Online.

Pyrooz, D. C., and Decker, S. H, (2011) "Motives and Methods for Leaving tJle Gang: Understanding ttre Process of Gany Desistence," Journal ot Criminal Just!'c6.

Sanchez-Jankowski, M. S. 1991.Islaadsrn the Streetr Gangs and American tlrban Society, Berkeley, Califomia: University of California Press.

Thornberry T. P, Huizinga, D., and Loober, R. 2004. "Ih€ Causes and Corretrates Studies: FiDdings and Pousy Implications," Juyer?ilo Just c€, 10 (1), pp. 3-19. (Adobe PDF)

Tlrornbery, T. P, Ikohn, M. D., Lizotto, A, J., Smith, C. A., and Tobin, K. 2003. Oargs and. Delinqu,ncy in Developmental furspect'ye Nevv York: Car&ridge Univerrity press.

Thrasher, E (192717963). The eang: A study of 13t3 cangs chicago, IL: university fo chicago press. vigif, D. 1988. Bar o Gangs: Street Lite and ldentity in Soutbern Calitomia, Augtin, Texas. University of lbxas Prgss.

9 The National Gang center (NGC) is a collaborative effort between the office of Justice Programs' (oJP) office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

This partnership works to provide professionals in the field of gangs with tools that can be used in a comprehensive range of strategies to respond to street gangs, from prevention and intervention to criminal justice strategies such as suppression, prosecution, and reentry.

Michelle Arciaga Young is a senior research associate with the National Gang Center operated by the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) in Tallahassee, Florida.

victor Gonzalez is the director of Prevention and Intervention Services, Major's Anti-Gang Office, Houston, Texas.

This project was supported by Cooperative Agireement No. 201 1-MU-MU-K001, awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinguency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.