Mentoring by Credible Messengers: Engaging High-School Students at Risk for Gang Recruitment

• In Event: Pathways Out: Interventions, Supportive Relations, and Crime Desistance among Gang-Affiliated and At-Risk Young People

Abstract

Community-based violence prevention programs utilizing outreach strategies effectively engage at-risk youth involved in antisocial behaviors. Programs staffed by "credible messengers"—individuals in advanced stages of desistance with ties to high-risk communities and past criminal involvement—are particularly successful in connecting with young people embedded in violent, antisocial networks. These messengers are uniquely positioned to mentor youth, fostering desistance from crime. While peer mentoring initiatives such as Cure Violence and Safe Streets have demonstrated success in reducing street violence, less is known about the applicability of mentoring for high school-aged youth in preventing delinquency and gang violence. This study examined the perspectives of 24 at-risk high school students and school personnel regarding the role of mentoring in steering youth away from gangs and street activities. Three focus groups were conducted with school counselors, teachers, social workers, and security staff. Thematic analysis explored (1) at-risk youth perceptions of mentoring and (2) school personnel’s insights on the needs of at-risk students and strategies to leverage mentoring in gang prevention.

Authors

• Peter Simonsson, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine

• Caterina Roman, Temple University