Gang Forum Task Force Meeting Yields High Turn Out
Oct 1, 2009, Washington Models for Change
The Models for Change staff in Benton/Franklin County in Washington State hosted a forum to address the local gang problem and the impact that this activity has on the community. The forum served as a necessary first step in bringing key individuals and community agencies together to discuss this critical issue.
With 97 agency, school, and community members in attendance, it is clear that there is great concern in the Benton/Franklin community around gang issues. Models for Change staff sought to determine how to address these concerns as a community.
Acknowledgment was made that the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices have done a tremendous job in their enforcement and suppression efforts in recent years. However, additional support and services in the suppression realm remain to be explored.
The forum consisted of dialogue, breakout sessions, and information sharing about local resources. Models for Change staff will compile a list of inventory of resources for use by agencies and the community.
A significant need to develop further resources and processes to aid in strategies for earlier points of intervention was also made clear. Models for Change staff will consider further options as well as look at paths for truant youth to re-enter into the community. The creation and expansion of resources at the local level through a variety of community partners will be a critical component to reaching a solution to the gang problem.
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