Pilot programs and small scale initiatives have shown us what works in gang prevention; now the challenge is scaling up these successes to reach all communities in need. For funders, this means thinking strategically about funding models, sustainability, and replication of effective programs. This article discusses how to fund and grow gang prevention efforts for maximum impact.

Identify Proven Programs to Scale: First, funders should look at the evidence and identify programs with demonstrated success. For instance, if a particular city’s outreach program led to a 50% reduction in shootings in one neighbourhood, consider funding its expansion to other neighbourhoods or even other cities. If a school based mentoring program kept 100 at risk kids from joining gangs, funders can ask. What would it take to serve 1,000 kids? Often, effective programs have a waiting list of youth or neighbourhoods asking for help; that is a prime opportunity for scaling. Investing in model programs to replicate them can yield quick wins because the approach is already refined. The Youth Violence Commission in the UK noted that to significantly cut violence, solutions must be implemented “at scale” rather than in isolated pockets

Capacity Building and Training: Scaling up is not just about money; it’s also about building capacity. That means ensuring there are enough trained people to carry out the work with fidelity. Funders can allocate portions of grants to train new outreach workers, counsellors, or mentors under the wing of experienced staff. Additionally, building the management capacity of community organisations is crucial; a small nonprofit doing great work might need support to hire an experienced program manager or to upgrade its data systems to handle a larger caseload. By funding these backbone needs (often via general operating support or capacity-building grants), funders enable programs to maintain quality as they grow.

Flexible, Long-Term Funding: Gang prevention isn’t a quick fix. It requires sustained effort. Therefore, moving from pilot to scale benefits from multi-year funding commitments. Long term funding allows programs to plan, retain staff (staff turnover can derail progress), and build trust in communities (which takes time). It is also wised for funders to provide flexibility in how funds are used. Rigid grants that only cover very specific activities might not allow a program to adapt to new realities (for example, if gangs shift tactics or a new hotspot emerges). Trusting successful programs with some flexible funding lets them respond to changes on the ground efficiently.

Public-Private Partnerships: Scaling often requires resources beyond what philanthropy alone can provide. This is where public sector involvement is key. Funders can play a catalytic role by piloting or demonstrating success, which then convinces government agencies to invest public funds to expand the effort. For instance, a foundation might fund a 2-year trial of a gang intervention in a city district; if the trial shows reductions in violence, the city council or national government could then allocate ongoing funding to expand it citywide. Engaging government early, sharing data and inviting officials to observe programs can pave the way for this handoff. Sometimes legislation or policy change is needed (e.g., a city might need to create a budget line for violence prevention); funders can also support advocacy to make prevention a public funding priority. The ideal scenario is braided funding, combining private grants, city funds, national grants, and even corporate sponsorship to support different pieces of a comprehensive strategy.

Scaling with Fidelity vs. Adaptation: One caution: when scaling up, ensure the core ingredients of success are not lost. If a program success hinged on, say, a very low mentor to youth ratio or the personal touch of staff, those must be preserved even as numbers grow. This might require more funding per youth than less intensive programs, a worthwhile investment if the outcomes are stronger. On the other hand, some adaptation might be needed for different contexts (what works in a small town might need tweaks in a metropolis). Funders should encourage an approach of “evaluate and adapt” during scaling: implement the model in a new site, rigorously monitor results, and be open to adjusting. Funding evaluations as part of scale up is a good practice to ensure effectiveness is maintained.

Measuring and Communicating Impact: Finally, as programs scale, measuring impact remains crucial to keep stakeholders (including funders, public, and policymakers) bought in. We know from data that prevention works, for example, for every $1 spent on prevention, several dollars in criminal justice and victim costs can be saved (various studies support this general ratio). Communicating such results keeps the momentum. Funders can help by supporting strong data systems and maybe even independent research partners to validate outcomes. Success stories, like “this many youths left gangs and are now employed or in school”, when broadcast, help attract additional funding (it creates a virtuous cycle of investment).

In summary, scaling up gang prevention programs is about amplifying success: taking what we know works and expanding its reach. It requires strategic funding that is sustained, flexible, and focused on capacity building. Collaboration with the public sector and careful attention to fidelity will help ensure that scaling up does not dilute effectiveness. If managed well, scaling proven gang prevention can transform the safety and futures of entire cities, not just isolated neighbourhoods, delivering on the promise that no young person is lost to gang violence simply for lack of opportunity or support. For funders, there is perhaps no greater legacy than enabling a small local solution to grow into a broad movement that keeps thousands of youths safe and thriving

Sources: oro.open.ac.uk.

Schools and after school programs are critical battlegrounds in the fight against gang recruitment. For many adolescents, especially in disadvantaged areas, school is the primary environment outside the home where they spend time and form social identity. Gangs know this, which is why they often try to recruit or intimidate students in and around schools. However, this also means schools are ideal settings to implement prevention initiatives and offer positive alternatives to gang culture.

Creating a Safe and Inclusive School Climate: A school that feels safe, inclusive, and full of opportunity is far less fertile ground for gangs. Key measures include enforcing strict no tolerance for gang signs, attire, or activities on campus, while also ensuring that disciplinary actions do not inadvertently push kids out (remember, exclusion can increase gang risk). Many schools partner with School Resource Officers (SROs) or community police to have a presence on campus, not as enforcers only but as mentors and role models. When students trust that adults at school can protect them, they are less likely to seek protection from a gang. Additionally, promoting a culture where students of different backgrounds mix (through group projects, house systems, etc.) can undercut gang-driven divisions like rival “postcode” or neighbourhood loyalties.

Gang Prevention Curriculum and Clubs: Some schools have adopted specific curriculum units that address gangs and violence directly. In the U.S., the G.R.E.A.T. program taught in middle schools showed short term effects in improving attitudes about police and reducing pro gang beliefs. In the U.K., organisations like St Giles Trust send trained former gang members or youth workers into schools to deliver workshops on the realities of gang life, knife crime, and criminal exploitation. These real world lessons, especially when backed with personal stories, can make teens think twice about the allure of gangs. Beyond classroom learning, schools can support extracurricular clubs focused on unity and leadership. For example, some schools have “Peace Clubs” or student councils that lead anti violence campaigns. Others involve students in producing creative work (like plays, rap songs, or art murals) that explore the consequences of gang violence, a therapeutic and educational exercise.

After-School Programs as a Shield: The hours immediately after school are a high risk time for gang involvement and youth crime. That is why afterschool programs are often cited as a key gang prevention strategy. These programs range from academic tutoring and homework help (keeping kids on track academically, which itself is protective) to recreational activities (sports teams, dance classes, coding clubs, etc.). When well run, after-school programs provide supervision, mentorship, and a sense of belonging that competes directly with what gangs offer. A noteworthy statistic: in London, cuts to after school youth clubs correlated with a rise in local teen crime, whereas areas maintaining robust youth services saw steadier youth outcomes. Essentially, if youths find camaraderie and achievement in a club or team, they have much less incentive to seek it in a gang.

Mentorship and Academic Support: It is worth highlighting mentorship within schools. Some schools set up peer mentoring, where older students mentor incoming younger ones by providing guidance and looking out for them (reducing their vulnerability to gang bullying). Additionally, many communities mentoring programs coordinate with schools so that mentors can meet students on campus or communicate with teachers. Academic struggles can make a student feel disconnected and more likely to fall in with bad influences; a mentor or tutor who helps a student improve grades and confidence can indirectly prevent gang attraction by boosting the student’s legitimate success and self esteem.

From the funder perspective, supporting schools in gang prevention might involve financing special program coordinators who can run these clubs and curricula, or grants for schools to partner with nonprofits (like paying for those workshop speakers or training teachers in gang awareness). It may also involve funding transportation, one often overlooked barrier is that some youth can’t stay for after school programs because there’s no late bus, and they fear walking home through gang territories. Solving such logistics can markedly increase program participation.

In conclusion, schools are pivotal: they can either be pipelines feeding into gangs (if unsafe or neglectful) or pipelines to success (if nurturing and engaging). By backing initiatives that transform schools into hubs of safety, learning, and belonging after 3 PM, funders can effectively shut off one of the main funnels into gang life. The evidence is clear that when students are supported and proud of their school community, gangs lose their foothold among the youth.

In a paediatric clinic, doctors are seeing more teenagers with anxiety, depression, and stress related complaints than ever before. One 14 year old, “Jamal,” visits frequently with headaches and stomach aches, physical symptoms of underlying anxiety about school and the future. Jamal story is increasingly common. Experts have been sounding the alarm about a youth mental health crisis. Around 20% of adolescents experience a diagnosable mental health problem in any given year. Half of all mental disorders begin by age 14, and three quarters by age 24. Yet our systems are woefully unprepared: about 70% of young people who need mental health services do not receive appropriate care early on. As policymakers, addressing youth mental health is not just a health issue. .iI’s about safeguarding the next generation’s potential and well being.

The High Stakes: Untreated mental health issues in youth can derail lives. Depression and anxiety can lead to lower academic performance, increased dropout rates, and difficulty entering the workforce. Tragically, suicide has become a leading cause of death among young people in many countries. Beyond the human toll, there is an economic cost: when young adults cannot fully participate in society due to mental illness, productivity suffers, and healthcare costs rise due to crises that could have been prevented with early intervention.

Strengthening Early Intervention: Policies should ensure that mental health care is as accessible as a physical exam. This means integrating mental health professionals into school settings, where teens spend much of their time. For example, increasing funding to hire more school counsellors, psychologists, or social workers can provide students like Jamal a trusted person to turn to. Routine mental health screenings in schools or pediatric offices can catch issues early, much like vision or hearing tests do. Some regions have mobile mental health clinics that visit schools, making it easier for youth to get help without stigma.

Expanding Services and Access: The 70% treatment gap often stems from a lack of services or barriers like cost and transportation. Government investment is needed to expand child and adolescent mental health services, especially in underserved areas. This might include establishing community youth mental health centres and ensuring services are covered by insurance or provided free for those in need. Telemental health (therapy via phone or video) is another avenue to reach youth, particularly in rural areas. Policies should support its development and address privacy concerns.

Workforce and Training: There is a global shortage of child psychiatrists and therapists. Incentivise training in these specialities through scholarships or loan forgiveness for those who serve in high need communities. Also, training general practitioners and paediatricians in basic mental health care can help widen the safety net they can handle mild cases and refer severe ones appropriately.

Holistic and Preventative Approaches: Beyond clinical services, consider policies that foster environments conducive to good mental health. Promote school programs on social emotional learning, which teach kids coping skills, empathy, and resilience. Implement anti bullying legislation and online safety regulations, since bullying (both offline and cyber) is a known risk factor for mental illness. Encouraging schools to adopt reasonable homework loads and start times that align with adolescent sleep needs can also reduce stress. Public awareness campaigns can combat stigma, making it more likely that teens (and their parents) will seek help early rather than hide struggles.

A shining example comes from countries like Australia, which developed the “headspace” program a national network of youth mental health centres offering easy to access, youth friendly services. Since its launch, thousands of young Australians have gotten help in a comfortable setting, often before issues escalate.

Every Jamal deserves support to navigate life challenges. By prioritising youth mental health in our policies and budgets, we send a clear message: we value our young people not just for the economic role they will play, but as human beings whose health and happiness matter. Investing in their mental well-being now will pay dividends in a healthier, more resilient society in the years to come.

 

Source mentalhealth.org.uk

At a city council meeting on urban development, a 60 year old official discusses plans for a new park. In the audience sits 17 year old Luis, who organised neighbourhood teens to petition for a skate park in that very place. Luis and his friends spent weeks gathering input from local youth, the primary users of parks, yet none of them has a vote in the final decision. This scenario plays out globally: policies affecting young people are often made with minimal youth input. While half the world population is under 30, only 2.8% of the world’s parliamentarians are 30 or younger. This generation gap in governance is not just unfair; it can lead to shortsighted policies that overlook youth needs and innovative ideas.

Why Youth Voices Matter: Young people bring fresh perspectives to long-standing problems. They are digital natives, more attuned to technological and environmental changes, and often more idealistic about social justice. They are also the ones who will live longest with the outcomes of today laws, whether it is climate regulations, education reform, or national debt. Excluding them means missing insight from those with the biggest stake in the future. On issues like climate change, youth activists worldwide have pushed leaders to act more boldly, reminding policymakers of the moral urgency. History shows movements led by youth (from civil rights to anti-apartheid) have been catalysts for profound change. Yet in formal politics, youth remain underrepresented, sometimes due to age restrictions or political structures that favour seasoned candidates.

Bridging the Gap: Policymakers can take concrete steps to involve young voices. Firstly, consider establishing youth advisory councils at the local and national levels. These councils, composed of diverse young people, can review proposed policies and provide feedback. Some cities have experimented with youth observers in council meetings or even youth cochairs on committees dealing with youth-centric issues like education or housing. Secondly, lowering the voting age for local elections (as some jurisdictions have done to 16) can empower youth to influence decisions early and develop lifelong civic engagement habits. When Scotland included 16 and 17 year olds in its independence referendum, it saw remarkably high turnout among those first time voters, dispelling myths about youth apathy.

Reducing Barriers to Entry: Encouraging youth representation also means grooming the next generation of leaders. Political parties can recruit and mentor young candidates, and perhaps consider quota systems for youth similar to those used for improving gender representation. Civic education is crucial, too. Schools should teach not just history but practical civics: how to campaign, how to engage representatives, how to craft policy proposals. For many young people, politics feels inaccessible or corrupt; we need to show positive examples of youth leading effectively. Around the world, a growing number of youth parliaments and model UN conferences are training teenagers in governance. These are not just extracurriculars; they are pipelines for future lawmakers.

The case for youth inclusion is not about tokenism; it is about better governance. Take the example of a city that planned a new bus route but overlooked that it bypassed a high school; a 16 year old student on a youth council pointed out the oversight, leading to a route change that boosted student attendance. When we integrate perspectives like Luis into formal decision making, policies become more responsive and equitable. Ultimately, democracy is healthiest when all segments of society have a voice, including the young. As policymakers, we must ensure that we’re not crafting a world for youth but rather with youth. Their energy, creativity, and firsthand experience of contemporary challenges are invaluable assets in policymaking – and our institutions must evolve to give youth a rightful seat at the table.

Source: ipu.org.

Sixteen year old Priya used to spend weekends holed up in her room. That changed when her father convinced her to help out at a local food drive one Saturday. At first, Priya was reluctant and shy, sticking close to her dad. But by the end of the day, she was laughing and sorting canned goods with other teens, proud of the boxes of food they had collected for families in need. Stories like Priya show the transformative power of community engagement. In fact, about 40% of young people aged 16–24 volunteer specifically to gain new skills and boost their well-being. Helping others doesn’t just benefit the community; it helps teens thrive.

Why Volunteering and Civic Action Matter: Teenage years are when young people are discovering who they are and what they care about. Volunteering or getting involved in causes can give them a sense of purpose beyond academics or social circles. Priya, for example, found she loved working with people and felt useful. Research shows volunteering can improve mental health and reduce feelings of isolation. Teens build empathy as they meet individuals from different walks of life and see the impact of lending a hand. Whether it’s a neighbourhood clean up, a charity fundraiser, or a youth climate strike, engaging in community activities teaches valuable lessons in responsibility and teamwork.

The Skills Gained: These experiences are also practical learning opportunities. A teen who organises a charity car wash learns about planning and marketing; one who volunteers at an animal shelter picks up knowledge about veterinary care and humane treatment. Such skills can spark new interests or even career paths. Many employers and colleges value volunteer work because it often instils leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities in young people. Importantly, teens themselves recognise these gains, which is one reason so many volunteer to build skills for their future.

How Parents Can Encourage Engagement: Getting a teen to step out of their comfort zone can be challenging, but parents have a big influence. Consider these strategies:

• Connect to Their Interests: Find causes that match your teen passions. If they love sports, maybe they can help coach younger kids. If they are into art, perhaps they can paint a mural for a community centre.
• Start Small and Local: Sometimes it’s less intimidating to volunteer with people they know. School clubs, faith groups, or community centres often have youth friendly projects. Join in as a family if possible; making it a shared activity can motivate hesitant teens.
• Celebrate Efforts: Praise your teen for caring about others and share stories of young heroes making a difference. Knowing that their actions, however small, matter to someone can be a huge confidence booster.

Priya’s one day of volunteering turned into a weekly habit. She not only made new friends, but she also became more confident at school, even speaking up more in class. Her parents noticed she seemed happier and more responsible at home, too. By encouraging and supporting your teen’s community involvement, you are helping them build character, compassion, and a sense of empowerment. In a world that often tells teens they are “too young” to make an impact, you can help show them that their contributions are valued and that they can be the changemakers our communities need.

The Power of Parental Involvement in Education

When it comes to school success, parents are a secret weapon. Consider two students: One has a parent who checks homework, attends school meetings, and chats regularly with their child about classes. The other parent assumes “school is the teachers’ domain” and stays hands off. Over time, the difference in these students can be striking. Research backs this up: students with supportive, engaged parents are 81% more likely to graduate from high school than their peers. Parental involvement, from simple encouragement to active participation at school, can profoundly shape a child academic journey.

Why Your Involvement Matters: Teenagers might act like they do not want you around, but your interest in their education sends a powerful message: that their schooling is important and worthy of your time. This boosts their own motivation. Children with involved parents attend school more regularly, have better social skills, and adapt more easily. Even discussions at home make a difference. One study found that teens who frequently discuss schoolwork with parents have significantly higher odds of pursuing college. Your engagement can counteract challenges; for instance, a student struggling in math might work harder if they know their parent is checking in and ready to help or find help.

Forms of Involvement: Being involved does not mean doing your child homework or hovering over every assignment. It takes many forms, such as:

• Communication with Teachers: Attend parent-teacher conferences and school events when you can. If your schedule is tight, a quick email to a teacher for an update shows you care. Working as a team with teachers helps address issues early, whether it’s a dip in grades or a social challenge in class.
• Homework Support: Provide a quiet space and time for homework. You don’t need to understand algebra to show support; ask your teen about their assignments, and praise their efforts and improvements. If they’re struggling, help them brainstorm solutions (could we get a tutor? join a study group?).
• Stay Informed and Encourage Goals: Keep track of their progress through report cards or online portals. Celebrate achievements and progress, not just top grades. Help them set academic goals that are realistic and theirs, like improving in science this term or reading a certain number of books.

Creating a Learning Environment at Home: Simple routines reinforce that education is valued. Having a set homework time, asking “what did you learn today?” at dinner, or even watching a documentary together can spark learning. Show curiosity about the world – teens model what they see. If you read or pursue your own learning, it normalises intellectual growth at home.

Take the story of Marcus, whose mother started volunteering at his school library one day a week. Seeing her regularly on campus made him proud (even if he had never admitted it to friends). He started stopping by to say hi and ended up checking out more books in the process. Marcus knew his mom and teachers talked often, a safety net ensuring he did not slip through cracks. He graduated with good grades and confidence, a trajectory shaped in part by that consistent parental presence.

Your involvement shows your teen that you are invested in their future. It is like a safety harness. As they climb the ladder of education, they still do the climbing, but your support secures them when the climb gets steep. No matter your own educational background or how “busy” your teen seems, your engagement can be the difference between stumbling and soaring in school.

Building Trust and Communication with Your Teen

On Friday night, 17 year old Sam missed his curfew by an hour. His dad was worried and angry, and his first instinct was to ground Sam for a month. But he paused, took a breath, and instead sat down with his son to talk. Sam, it turned out, had driven a friend home who was having a personal crisis, and he lost track of time. In that conversation, father and son developed a plan: next time, Sam would call or text if he was running late. This scenario highlights a key parenting challenge: balancing supervision and trust. Research shows that active, caring parental monitoring – knowing where your teen is and who they are with can significantly reduce the likelihood of teens engaging in risky behaviours. But how you approach monitoring makes all the difference. It works best when grounded in open communication and mutual respect, not surveillance or fear.

Why Trust Matters: Teens are wired to seek independence; it’s a normal part of growing up. When parents show they trust their teen (for example, by extending curfews gradually or allowing solo outings once ground rules are set), teens often rise to the occasion to keep that trust. On the other hand, if a teen feels “My parents assume I’ll mess up no matter what,” they might hide things or rebel more. The goal is for your teen to see you as a safe confidant, not just an enforcer. Establishing trust does not mean being naïve; it means creating a relationship where your teen is honest because they know you’ll listen and be fair.

Communication is Key: How do you build that kind of relationship? It starts with everyday talks. Instead of only grilling them about where they’re going and with whom, make it a habit to chat about their day, their friends, and their interests. Active listening is powerful: when your teen talks, really pay attention (put down that phone or turn off the TV) and acknowledge their feelings. Even if you hear something concerning, try not to explode in the moment. Stay calm and ask questions. This shows your teen that they can bring problems or mistakes to you without instantly losing their cool.

Setting Boundaries Together: Teens actually appreciate clear boundaries it gives them a sense of security. The magic is to involve them in setting some rules. You might say, “We both agree safety is important. Let decide on fair rules for when you go out.” By collaborating, your teen is more likely to follow the rules because they had a voice in them. For instance, Sam and his dad agreed on a texting rule for late nights. Also explain the “why” behind rules: “I need to know where you are so I can help if something goes wrong, not because I want to invade your privacy.” When teens understand that monitoring comes from love, not lack of trust, they are more receptive.

Picking Your Battles: Not every misstep needs a heavy hand. Save serious consequences for serious breaches of trust (like dangerous behaviour or repeated lying). Smaller issues, an occasionally messy room or a C on a quiz can be handled with patience and coaching rather than punishment. If rules are broken, enforce consequences consistently, but also talk about what happened and how to regain trust.

Remember that according to studies, over 86% of teens report their parents generally know where they are most of the time. That is a reassuring statistic; it means in most families, parents are keeping tabs in caring ways. Aim to be the parent who knows what is going on in your teen life, not because you’ve pried it out of them, but because they chose to tell you. By building a foundation of trust and communication, you guide your teen safely toward adulthood and strengthen your relationship along the way.

Source: positiveaction.net, cdc.gov, vssn.org.uk