IRJ utilizes strategic social science research methodologies to assist government agencies, educational institutions, and members of the community in the development of policy changes that advanced the cause of social justice.
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue
400 Churchill Hall
Boston, MA 02115
617.373.4678
irj@neu.edu
The fact sheet summarizes findings from the National Youth Gang Survey for 2007 and provides data on the number of gangs, gang members, and gang-related crime. Based on survey results, it is estimated that approximately 27,000 gangs and 788,000 gang members were active in the United States in 2007. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) announces the availability of"Highlights of the 2007 National Youth Gang Survey." This 2-page fact sheet was prepared by OJJDP's National Youth Gang Center.
In the spring of 2008 Northeastern University, in consultation with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security completed the first annual report on the Shannon Community Safety Initiative activities and progress. The report can be found at: Shannon Community Safety Initiative Annual Report
Haverhill's VIP Program
The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) was established in 2006 to reduce gang membership in Haverhill. It is a school-based violence prevention program serving Haverhill and Methuen. Currently, there are 60 student VIP members, with over 20 more on a waiting list. The program is open to Haverhill High School students, and seeks out at-risk youth to join the program. This after-school program provides students with an inviting alternative to the streets and other unsupervised and unsafe settings. The VIP room is completely renovated with couches, educational books and magazines, anti-violence and health posters, musical instruments and art supplies, along with computers and a television. Students are also provided with free homework assistance, snacks, workshops and field trips. VIP holds weekly meetings for all of its members, which include activities and trainings that focus on violence prevention, conflict resolution, and anger management. Shannon funding has helped keep VIP open for its members and recently funded an evaluation of the program. Results of the evaluation found that students improved school attendance, were engaged more in their classes, were more ready to be employed, and positively changed their peer group associations. VIP recently received a Good Citizens award, which is given out to individuals or organizations in Essex County that do extraordinary things to make their neighborhoods and communities safer.
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