A peer approach to high risk youth

Area of Science:

• Community Psychology
• Youth Intervention Programs
• Criminology

Background:

• Youth gang involvement presents significant public health and safety challenges.
• Effective interventions are needed to support at-risk youth and prevent gang affiliation.
• Peer-led programs offer a unique approach to engaging and mentoring young people.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Gang Rescue and Support Project (GRASP) in Denver.
• To outline GRASP's peer-run intervention model for at-risk youth.
• To highlight the project's focus on facilitating positive life-style changes.

Main Methods:

• GRASP employs a peer-run intervention model.
• The program utilizes small group meetings.
• Mentoring is a key component of the intervention.

Main Results:

• GRASP provides support for youth involved in gangs.
• The project assists youth experiencing pressure to join gangs.
• The intervention encourages positive life-style changes through peer support and mentoring.

Conclusions:

• Peer-run interventions like GRASP can effectively engage at-risk youth.
• Small group meetings and mentoring are valuable tools for promoting positive change.
• GRASP offers a promising model for gang prevention and intervention.