ABSTRACT
Gang members are typically responsible for a disproportionate amount of violence and victimization in both community and detention settings. Thus, reducing gang-related crime is often a key focus among law enforcement and policymakers. Although evidence-based best practice programs exist for reducing gang activity, most are challenging to implement and sustain over time. This chapter will present current strategies for preventing and reducing gang involvement. Research on best practice evidence-based interventions with gang-involved offenders will be examined through the psychological underpinnings utilized in the interventions, including psychoeducational and family approaches. Specifically, the chapter will present the challenges in addressing gang members and highlight services available to gang-involved youth and their families. Future directions on advancing efforts in the prevention of gang involvement and treatment of gang members will be provided.
