Programs - Gang Intervention Services

The Tidewater Youth Services Commission developed Gang Intervention Services in response to a need identified by our partners in the area juvenile courts.  The program serves youth who have been identified by the Court or Police as “gang certified” or “gang affiliated”.  Although services may be offered on an individual basis, Gang Intervention is typically conducted in a group setting, using a combination of Aggression Replacement Training and specific components of the Phoenix Curriculum.  Group sessions span fourteen weeks, with follow-up support services provided at the end of the group cycle to help youth  practice and maintain their new skills and behaviors.  In most cases, transportation is provided to group sessions and to program activities.   

Aggression Replacement Training  has been extensively researched and is designated as a Model Program by the U.S. Department of Justice and the American Correctional Association.    There are three components to the A.R.T. model:  Skillstreaming, to teach pro-social skills, Anger Control Training, to teach self-control strategies, and Moral Reasoning Training, to promote socio-moral reasoning.   

The Phoenix Curriculum, which was awarded the national “Spirit of Excellence” award at the National Gang Crime Research Center’s 2004 annual gang program conference, helps youth identify and address the highest risk factors for violence, bullying, gang involvement, and other crimes. 

Through the combination of A.R.T. and the Phoenix Curriculum, the Gang Intervention Program addresses the events, circumstances, and behaviors that are common to youth who are in gangs.  It provides information on getting away from the gang, developing pro-social activities, identifying safe and supportive adults, and identifying community resources, including vocational and career options.  The ultimate goal of the group sessions is to provide participants with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to resist further gang involvement and instead to lead positive and productive lives.

For more information on Gang Intervention Services, please contact Shawn Sawyer, Deputy Director of the Tidewater Youth Services Commission, at 757-488-9161 or ssawyer@tyscommission.org.