Gang Prevention
As of 2010, there are approximately 300 active street gangs in Washington State with approximately 15,000 active gang members (NW HIDTA).
There are 7 active street gangs in Skagit County (NW HIDTA), and as many as 300 gang members in Mount Vernon alone (KOMO).
2010 Healthy Youth Survey Skagit County results:
Percent of youth who were members of a gang in the past 12 months:
|
Grade
|
Skagit County
|
WA State
|
|
8
|
6.20%
|
6.60%
|
|
10
|
5.90%
|
6.20%
|
|
12
|
5.60%
|
5.20%
|
CHOP Programs
Exit Strategies is a six week innovative prevention/intervention curriculum developed by the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration designed to target a continuum of youth ranging from youth on the fringes of self-destructive activities to those who are deeply involved in criminal activity. The Law Related Education curriculum (LRE) examines youth sub-cultures from a perspective of law enforcement, education, mental health, and civic merit. The curriculum demonstrates the direct correlation between low self-esteem; poor decision making and the pervasive insecurities impacting youth resorting to gang activities and crime, truancy and poor educational performance, while focusing on non-compliant attitudes.
Exit Strategies is a free community resource. The curriculum can be implemented in school or community settings.
Contact Carol Hawk at (360) 856-7383 for more information.
Additional Resources:
National Gang Center
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Gang Reference Card for Parents | English| Spanish
Gang Toolkit for Parents, Police, and Educators