In 2000-2001, AFY will actively work with seven gangs, five schools, and 14 teen parents. Staff will work with approximately 350 clients per month in 135 group and individual counseling sessions. AFY's rehabilitation approach has demonstrated that it is the best hope yet for reducing and eliminating youth gang participation and all of the ills attached to it, including violence, crime, and drug use. The Redirectional Method focuses on working with youth gangs as natural friendship groups and works with them as whole entities. These groups begin to accept the rewards and benefits of socially acceptable endeavors, including jobs and higher education.
Constructive behaviors replace destructive behaviors, and adult criminal behavior is prevented.
This grant will support the organization's gang and troubled youth programs. These include gang services, school therapy, and teen parent services. Additionally, the support would be used to further the knowledge building efforts as the organization continues to work on its second book that outlines the application of the rehabilitation method generically. The mission of Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii is to prevent child abuse through education, public awareness, and advocacy, which promote positive parenting and healthy families where children are valued and loved. The focus is primary prevention of child abuse, that is, designing programs for the public rather than targeting high risk groups or those where abuse has already occurred.