Reports

2010

Bhatt, G., Tweed, R., Dooley, S. (2010, April).  Strength-based approaches to youth gang prevention in BC: Community Consultation Paper. Report prepared for Victim Services and Crime Prevention, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, in partnership with the National Crime Prevention Center, Public Safety, Canada

Strength-based approaches to youth gang prevention in BC: Community Consultation Paper

Dr. Gira Bhatt, Dr. Roger Tweed and Steve Dooley

This paper discusses strength-based strategies for reducing youth involvement in gang violence.  The current discussion is meant to provoke thought and provide some theoretical background.  This discussion includes a review of research on strengths that matter, some cautions such as concerns about cultural relevance, and a differentiation of types of strength-based interventions.  It also explores some strength-based practices with examples of specific strategies implemented by the Community Assessment and Action Networks. The paper includes feedback from three workshops conducted with community stakeholders on March 24th 2010 consultation hosted by the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The discussion concludes with recommendations to connect evidence-based research with practice. This discussion paper provides background that may help people considering strength-based interventions.

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