Targeted Intervention and Prevention Services (TIPS) to Reduce Gang Involvement

Fairfax County had a 130% increase in gang related activity between 2001 and 2005. In response, the County launched a comprehensive gang prevention initiative involving enforcement, education, intervention and prevention (OJJDP: Comprehensive Gang Model, 2002). While there are many influences which cause youth to join gangs, research indicates that prevention and intervention programming is essential to stem the tide of youth joining gangs or to transition successfully from gang life (OJJDP, 2002). The Targeted Intervention and Prevention Services (TIPS) to Reduce Gang Involvement project will increase connectivity of at-risk youth and families in targeted neighborhoods to services and programs in Fairfax County and aid current gang members exit gang life by increasing access to services, employment and education, as well as support a Graffiti Abatement initiative. Project activities will serve 400 youth and families and include: 1) Street Outreach to provide individual support to those currently at high risk for joining gangs and for the youth who want to leave gang life; 2) funding for Road DAWG Program, designed to connect youth and families with after-school activities, academic support and links youth/families to community-based resources; 3) implementation of Graffiti Abatement Program for gang graffiti removal from public and private property.

The following performance measures will be included to track progress and assess program effectiveness:
' % of youth offenders involved in programming who re-offend during the funding period
' % of youth involved in programming who are new offenders during the funding period
' Number of youth and/or families served
' % of families, youth, and siblings accessing services
' % of families, youth, and siblings satisfied with services provided through this project
' Number of service hours completed by program youth, families, and siblings (for outreach project only)
' % of youth in Road DAWG demonstrating increase in skills and knowledge upon completion of the program as measured by pre-and post-tests and retrospective survey.
' Number of referrals to community resources
' Number of graffiti abatement projects
' Number of projects completed in an appropriate timeframe

NCA/NCF