Strategies to Reduce Gang Violence in Juvenile Justice Settings

Although the primary goal of gang violence reduction is to prevent a young person’s involvement in gang activity and engagement with the justice system overall, the reality is that there are youth engaged in gang-related delinquent activity who are currently placed in custodial facilities or out-of-home placements. 

Gang involvement is a complex issue, the negative impacts of which can be exacerbated by system involvement. It is critical that current practitioners involved with the juvenile justice system understand the nature of gang involvement and promising strategies for gang reduction to better support the young people currently in the system, mitigate potential harms, and ensure that these young people have the network, tools, and opportunities needed to thrive as they transition back into the community. 

Held on March 28, 2024, this webinar highlights key considerations from the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators Gang Reduction Strategies for Juvenile Justice Facilities toolkit, and speaks to how the guidance and resources listed can reaffirm or refine the work of juvenile justice practitioners and improve opportunities for young people involved in gang violence.