Research Links
Evaluation of Programs that Work
The Commission has collected websites with valuable information about programs that have been evaluated and are considered best practices.
The Office of Justice Programs has a model programs guide that are recommended to communities. Bureau of Justice has a Center for program evaluation.
Helping America's Youth is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the challenges facing our youth, particularly at-risk boys, and to motivate caring adults to connect with youth in three key areas: family, school, and community.
Learning Around the Clock:Benefits of Expanded Learning Opportunities for Older Youth (PDF) volunteers) to augment K–12 and community-based funding streams.
The Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence has been reviewing over 600 programs that could prevent violence in our communities. On their site are 12 programs that deep research has been done. for details and specific types of programs that work and where.
U.S Department of Justice- COPS Gangs Toolkit
Street gang crime can take many forms. The COPS Gangs Toolkit consists of resources for law enforcement officials, educators, and parents to address specific types of crimes committed by gangs.
Guide Seeks To Heal the Wounds of Children Exposed to Violence
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Safe Start Center has published "Healing the Invisible Wounds: Children's Exposure to Violence." The guide, which is available in English and Spanish, offers informative tips on how to recognize the signs of children's exposure to violence and helpful advice on helping children thus exposed.
Exposure to violence is a pervasive problem that crosses all ages, and the guide provides specific information pertaining to children of various ages, as well as a list of useful resources.
2009 Commission Workplan
The Commission has updated its 2009 Workplan (PDF).
2007 Strategic Action Plan
The Commission has completed its Strategic Action Plan (PDF). The plan is the Commission's response to the following task:
Develop a more strategic, coordinated, and collaborative effort between the City, law enforcement agencies, social service providers, and the general public with the objective of significantly curtailing gang involvement, and its negative impact, in the City of San Diego.
Make recommendations concerning gang prevention, intervention, diversion, and suppression methods; identify local, state, and federal funding sources; and address other gang-related policy matters. (San Diego Municipal Code Article 6, Division 19)
The Commission Values impacting the Strategic Plan are:
- All residents have a right to live free from violence.
- All residents have a right to social, educational and economic opportunities.
- All communities in the City deserve to thrive; and the Commission opposes any activity that would devalue any community in the City of San Diego.
- Every community of adults has a responsibility to nurture its young people, so they are equipped to make positive choices to succeed in life and not choose gangs or violence as a lifestyle.
- All youth deserve to feel safe in this City.
Strategic Action Plan Addendum A (PDF)
General Research
Bulletin Reviews Research on Girls' Delinquency (PDF)
This Juvenile Justice link covers the issue of girls involved in delinquent behaviors and suggests evidenced-based programs help divert them. The report states:
U.S. Dept. of Justice: Best Practices to Address Community Gang Problems (PDF)
Minneapolis’ Blueprint for Action
The City of Minneapolis' Blueprint to Prevent Youth Violence has the focus on "climate of violence," and a desire to launch a media campaign to alter that climate. The full report is here for your review. Blueprint for Action: Preventing Youth Violence In Minneapolis (PDF)
Gang Wars
Gang Wars - The Failure of Enforcement Tactics and the Need for Effective Public Safety Strategies (PDF)
The Justice Policy Institute just released an important review of what works and what doesn't. Written by Judith Greene and Kevin Pranis read 84-97 for a wrap up of what REALLY works and how.