Region : Anti-Gang Program Slated
A network of social service agencies will begin working together in April to try to keep youths out of street gangs.
Venice, Mar Vista and Crenshaw are targeted by the program, which was recently approved by the Los Angeles City Council.
The program grew out of 1988 legislation creating a “Youth At Risk” advocate to coordinate the city’s diverse youth assistance and anti-gang programs, said City Councilwoman Ruth Galanter.
At hearings presided over by Galanter and City Councilman Richard Alatorre, testimony indicated the current programs emphasized youth already identified as gang members, rather than preventing a gang affiliation before it takes root.
“What I often hear from parents is that they simply don’t know how to cope when their children are under pressure to join street gangs,” Galanter said in a news release. “Parents need to know what kind of help is available and how to get their children involved, and that is what I hope this experimental system will accomplish.
Agencies participating in the network in the Crenshaw area include Say Yes, the Crenshaw Consortium, the Community Youth Sports and Arts Foundation. Project Heavy West, Community Youth Gang Services and the Western Region Asian Pacific Consortium will serve Venice, Mar Vista and Westchester.
Starting April 1, information will be available through Project Heavy West at (213) 477-1291.
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