DOI: 10.3886/icpsr35506.v1
title: Moving Forward on Gang Prevention in Los Angeles, California, 2009-2014
title: Version 1

description: These data are part of NACJD's Fast Track Release and are distributed as they were received from the data depositor. The files have been zipped by NACJD for release, but not checked or processed except for the removal of direct identifiers. Users should refer to the accompanying readme file for a brief description of the files available with this collection and consult the investigator(s) if further information is needed.Using multiple data time points this study investigated the prospective validity of a secondary gang prevention program called Gang Risk of Entry Factors (GREF) assessment. At Time 1 of the study interview cut-points were established for high and low risk on nine risk factors that were included on the assessment. Those who scored high risk on four or more risk factors were determined eligible for secondary prevention. At time 2 each participate was then classified into one of four levels of gang membership. The goal of this was to investigate how successful the GREF was in identifying the youth (in the absence of a program) who become associated with a street gang in the 12 to 18 months of the study time frame .
description: The purpose of the study was to test the prospective validity of the Gang Risk of Entry Factors (GREF) assessment. The study asked 3 primary questions: How successful is the assessment in identifying the youth (in the absence of a program) who become associated with a street gang over a subsequent 12 to 18 months? What percentage of youth identified as high risk for gang-joining actually do join a gang over this time? How many youth identified as low risk join?
description: Youth were referred to the study by school probation officers, approached by research staff at a probation office, or referred by a participating youth. Interviewers described the opportunity to the youth and parents. For those who were interested an appointment was set to meet at their home or other suitable location at a convenient time. Only one youth was eligible to participate within a household. Informed consent was obtained from a parent and the participating youth during the house visit prior to each interview. Youth were interviewed at a private, convenient location in or near their home. Overall, 505 youth were invited to participate in the study and 85% (428) agreed to participate at Time 1. A total of 391 follow-up interviews were completed at Time 2.
description: Variables at time 1 (Data n=428, 424 variables) and time 2 (Data n=391, 452 variables) pertain to nine risk factors associated with joining a street gang. These risk factors included impulsive risk taking, guilt neutralization, antisocial tendencies, negative peer influence, peer delinquency, parental supervision, family gang influence, critical life events, and early delinquent activities. The created variables data set RISK FACTOR DATA WITH GRP IDENTITY data (Data n=428, 55 variables) includes the variables related to the GREF scoring.
description: None
description: Response Rates: A total of 505 youth were invited to participate in the study and 85% (428) agreed to participate at Time 1. A total of 391 follow-up interviews were completed at Time 2 (91% of the Time 1 sample).
description: Presence of Common Scales: Several Likert type scales were used in this study.
description: Researchers and probation officers in areas of Los Angeles County that experience high levels of gang crime recruited participates in 3 ways: referred by school probation officers (27%), approached by research staff at a probation office (60%), and referred to the study by a participating youth or his or her parent (13%).
description: Datasets: DS1: Moving Forward on Gang Prevention in Los Angeles, California, 2009-2014
description: All youth ages 11 to 16 in areas of Los Angeles County, California experiencing high levels of gang crime in 2011. Smallest Geographic Unit: None
description: face-to-face interview; paper and pencil interview (PAPI)These data are part of NACJD's Fast Track Release and are distributed as they were received from the data depositor. The files have been zipped by NACJD for release, but not checked or processed except for the removal of direct identifiers. Users should refer to the accompanying readme file for a brief description of the files available with this collection and consult the investigator(s) if further information is needed.