Community and Schools Together (C.A.S.T.): A gang prevention program which targets youth in grades 5-9 in the home, school and community.

The goal of the C.A.S.T. program is to prevent youth gang participation and violence among 40 at-risk youth and families in the communities of Huntington and South Huntington targeting youth in the grades 5 through 9. The program will accomplish this goal in the following ways: 1. Case management will be provided to at-risk for gang involvement youth in the Huntington and South Huntington School Districts. Two advocates will connect youth and their families to support services (employment, medical, social services), increase youth development by linking them to various activities in the local youth centers, improve school attendance, and connect youth to employment opportunities. 2. Participants who improve in areas such as grades, attendance and social competencies will be trained as supportive mentors to newer participants. This will increase leadership skills, self esteem and lead to a reduction in anti-social behaviors. 3. Parent and child support groups will be offered to participants and/or family members to increase communication skills and positive parenting skills. Progress will be measured by case notes, program narratives, computerized monthly attendance roster, attendance, and participant feedback. NCA/NCF