ChANGE Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Suffolk County, NY, while ranked as one of the safest communities in the United States, is not immune to gang activity and youth violence. In an attempt to reach out to youth before they become involved in gang activity, Suffolk County’s Probation Department has developed a pilot program – Children All Need Good Experiences (ChANGE). The Program was developed in collaboration with S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc., a local not-for-profit gang prevention program, and two local school districts, to reduce the chances of gang involvement for elementary age children at risk of becoming involved in gang activities or who may already be involved in gang activities. South Country School District and Wyandanch School District are two high needs districts with a disproportionate number of gang members in the community. The program began in the Wyandanch School District in 2015 and both districts have agreed to pilot this program in 2016. The program activities include: educating school staff about Suffolk County gang activity and risk factors for joining gangs; identifying children in grades 3 through 6 with the most significant indicators for risk of gang involvement; family engagement to include time tested elements such as social emotional skill building, service learning projects, and mentoring. The project seeks to provide at risk students the skills and education they need to make positive decisions and become productive citizens in their community. The projected outcomes include: family linkages to resources in the community, improvement of child’s behavior at home and attitude towards school.