Over the two days, youth-serving agencies in Brownsville and East New York discussed the impact of gangs on their community, learned techniques to engage youth and their families about gang involvement and its effects on the family, and thought through how asking about gangs helps achieve case-management goals.
Attendees also practiced using the newly developed Gang Assessment Form—a complement to traditional assessments. Using opened-ended questions and building on the strengths of the youth, family, and community, this case-management tool has two goals: to assist staff in creating a nonjudgmental atmosphere for dialogue about gangs and gang activity, and to assist youth in making healthy choices about gang affiliation or involvement.
