The youth gang problem in Southern California

Juvenile offenders are the nation's fastest growing crime problem. While adult violent crime rates have remained fairly steady over the past decade, juvenile offenses have soared. A study by the U.S. Department of Justice reveals that in 1994 approximately 500 arrests were made per 100,000 juveniles (age 10-17) compared to 250 arrests per 100,000 adults (Gest 29).

In low-income, urban areas of Southern California, much of the increase in youth violence can be traced to gangs, often in the form of confrontations between rival gang members. As one expert witness has testified, "Drive-by shootings, turf wars, and homicides are mostly tied to gangs" (Congressional Oversight Hearing 5). In Los Angeles County, which has been called the "gang capital of the world," gang activity accounts for a significant percentage of violent crime: "Gang members were believed responsible for 19 percent of the robberies, and 10 percent to 12 percent of the total felonious assaults in the southeast division of Los Angeles" (Gang Violence Recommendations 2). An estimated 950 gangs are active in Los Angeles county with an approximate membership of 100,000 youth

. . .
nment influences adolescent self-esteem, it is important for adult family members to actively intervene in countering negative self-concepts, particularly among high-risk youth. Among many violent youths, family values are increasingly being replaced by gang values: "Many juveniles, especially those from the inner cities, see the gang as a substitute for their families . . . the gang offers the belief that only in this social group can they really belong to something and attain what is missing in their lives" (Bartollas and Miller, 1994, p. 376). Gang members often become chronic repeat criminal offenders because the same lack of family support that made membership attractive exists once they are released from the criminal justice system. As one judge puts it, gang activity is rampant because "undisciplined, untutored, unnurtured young people" have so few alternatives in society (Gest 30). Adults can counteract the influence of gangs by providing youngster with an environment where connectedness and belonging thrive. Connectedness/belonging is critical because one of the identifying hallmarks of low self-esteem is isolation. Helping teenagers feel connected means providing an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance. At sc
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Southern California, Oversight Hearing, Bartollas Miller, Solving California's, Bloods Crips, Angeles County, Department Justice, Asian Hispanic, World Report, Client Writer, southern california, los angeles, rival gang, angeles county, oversight hearing, congressional oversight hearing, los angeles county, congressional oversight, crime violence prevention, violence prevention, prevention center, gang southern california, role models, crime violence, violence prevention center,
Approximate Word count = 1938
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)

More Essays on The youth gang problem in Southern California