Key Evaluation Findings from GRYD Gang Prevention and Gang Intervention Services

• In Event: The Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) Program in the City of Los Angeles 

Abstract

The Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) addresses gang violence through a multi-pronged Comprehensive Strategy that utilizes community-based service provision in two areas: GRYD Prevention Services, for youth at high risk for gang joining and their families; and, GRYD Intervention Family Case Management Services (FCM), for gang-involved young adults and their families. This presentation will review the key findings form the 2017 evaluation report. These findings include client characteristics, retention rates, and attitudinal and behavioral changes over time. Change in risk over time for a sample of GRYD Prevention clients is also compared to similar youth on juvenile probation in LA County. Overall, GRYD prevention and intervention agencies served a large number of clients and families, and provided a substantial number of activities and services. GRYD Prevention clients experienced significant reductions in risk factors over time, particularly for those who completed the program successfully, and showed a significantly greater magnitude of improvement (i.e., decreasing risk) than County youth. Emerging findings indicate that GRYD intervention clients exhibit lower levels of criminal behaviors over time; significant reductions for gang cohesion and gang emotional ties were also observed. 

Authors

• Molly Kraus, California State University Los Angeles

• Kristine Chan, California State University Los Angeles

• Alfonso Martin, Harder + Company Community Research

• Loraine Park, Harder + Company Community Research

• Karen Hennigan, University of Southern California

• Kathy Kolnick, University of Southern California