New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center partnered with the National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technical Transfer Center to present Latinx Youth Gang Prevention in School System on March 21 and March 23.

Gang members contribute to a large portion of overall violence in society. NYPCC acknowledges that this poses a great threat to schools because the gap in adequate resources has a cascading effect on under-resourced school systems, leading to low education attainment and enrollment among youth. These shared risk factors create a conducive environment for establishing a strong gang culture for protection, financial security, and belonging which puts school systems at the forefront of prevention.

The training on youth gangs brought forward the opportunity to dive into some important details regarding gang initiation, involvement, risk, and prevention factors. Facilitated by Dr. Kristen Scardamalia, Ph.D. from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Bronx-based NYCDOE social workers were part of an interactive all-day training that offered strategies, skills, and key interventions that can be used to stop the push-pull youth feel when considering gang membership. Through stimulating and informative dialogue, the participants gained new insight and perspectives to bring back to their students and the school community.

For more information about NYPCC visit www.nypcc.org or contact info@nypcc.org