Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Klemp-North T. Michael

Abstract

AbstractThe rate of youth involvement in gang membership and crime has become a problem in Fairfax County, Virginia. It has increased violent crimes, drug trade, and incarceration rates for youths and decreased child school graduation rates. Youth gang membership is a significant public issue with broad mental and psychological implications for the child, family, and community because of the potential to commit a crime. Early exposure to gangs and violent neighborhoods can profoundly and negatively impact the residents. Researchers have explored why many children join gangs, but none have examined gang diversion programs' success in reducing youth gang membership. In this study, the perceptions and experiences of nine participants from the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force (NVRGTF) staff, including administrators and collaborating partners were explored. The data collected were coded and thematized using Braun and Clarke's 2006 thematic approach. The results showed that gang prevention or diversion programs need improvement to meet the needs of the youth. Hirschi's (1969) social bond theory was used to explain the outcomes of a child's negative or positive social bonding to the family or community. A qualitative methodology was used to gain an understanding of how gang prevention or diversion programs could help youth stay away from gang involvement. One gang member in the community is too many due to the potential to commit a crime. A better understanding of how the programs work and the knowledge gained would help policymakers improve the programs and reduce youth gang membership.

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