EBP Exchange - UMB School of Social Work

I just read a brief synopsis about the OJJDP gang reduction program (GRP) currently being implemented and evaluated in 4 communities in the U.S. - LA, Richmond, VA, Milwaukee, & North Miami Beach.  The GRP model is a framework for coordinating a wide range of activites that have demonstrated “effectiveness” in reducing gang activity and delinquency - starting with primary prevention through suppression activities focusing on gang leaders.  Since 2003 when LA implemented the GRP model in Boyle Heights, this neighborhood experienced a 44-percent reduction in gang crime.  LA reports having the most established gang population in the country with over 400 separate gangs and an estimated 39,000 gang members.  The principles of implementing comprehensive strategies appears to be based on the same approaches I heard about at the World Health Conference (WHO) on violence prevention over the summer.  Take a look at the key concepts below (does this sound like social work?)

Four Key Concepts of the GRP Model

1. Identify the needs at the individual, family, and community level and address those needs with a coordinated, comprehensive response.
2. Conduct an inventory of human and financial resources in the community and create plans to fill in gaps in services and leverage existing resources to support effective gang reduction strategies.
3. Apply research-based programs across appropriate age ranges, risk factor categories, and agency boundaries.
4. Encourage coordination and integration of resources at the local, State, and Federal levels.

 The true test will be whether the promising efforts being reported will be sustained over time in multiple neighborhoods.  If you are interested in reading more, go to: http://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/news_at_glance/219271/topstory.html