Youth Employment Model

• NCJ Number: 142675
• Author(s): I Spergel; K Ehrensaft; A Alexander; R L Laseter
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 17 pages
• Grant Number(s): 90-JD-CX-K001
• Agencies: OJJDP
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)

Annotation

This paper proposes a model employment program for gang youth designed to develop a series of entry-level jobs that provide adult status, adequate income, and good interpersonal relations skills; this should reduce gang crime.

Abstract

Community-based agencies, private industry councils, schools, parole, probation, and even day treatment or sheltered workshop programs for drug or alcohol abuse can be expanded to provide the elements of a gang job development program, especially in chronic problem cities. Various demonstration or experimental programs should be established and tested to determine which arrangements are most effective. The primary purpose of the special program would be development of the employability of gang and gang-prone youth. A variety of specialized personnel would be required to implement program functions, including job development specialists, teachers, trainers, support service workers, outreach workers or advocates, and community organizers or coordinators. The instructor's or trainer's primary task would be to introduce youth to the world of work. Three major component programs should be developed: a program for older drop-out youth aged 16 to 24, a program for marginal youth aged 15 to 18 still in school, and a program for hard core youth aged 14 to 16 who are early drop-outs. Other topics discussed in this paper are a job bank, work acclimation, job placement and employment, support services, system development, and evaluation. 2 references