Once these youth are returned to their communities, they need positive alternatives that address the same needs their gangs used to satisfy. Those needs are, namely, protection, association and economic opportunities. To protect youth in the program, Ward works with gang leaders to ensure that places where these youth need to be, such as parks, gyms and libraries, will be respected as zones of peace and no violent activity will take place there. Ward says that if communities are going to be successful in ending gang violence, child advocates have to go into troubled neighborhoods and demonstrate that positive change is beneficial to everyone. They can appreciate that.
Services have to be provided in the community in trouble.
As the program expands, Ward is seeking additional outlets for former gang members. More businesses and industries that can provide these youth with fundamental skills that increase their potential for employment are being encouraged to develop training programs. Ward also is seeking to increase independent living programs specifically designed for former gang members. OYAP Care Management Care Management is designed to address the needs of the family as a whole. Located in central Columbus, staff at the OYAP program see many youth who have been impacted by gangs and who are at risk of being recruited as members.