Youth gang members are several times more likely than non-gang youths to commit crimes, and as many as 1,000 youth in Washington County are estimated to be gang-involved. The Washington County Juvenile Department is committed to addressing this issue with a comprehensive strategy of prevention, intervention and suppression that includes working collaboratively with schools, community agencies, and local law enforcement agencies. Among the strategies in Washington County that address youth gangs are:
Graffiti Hurts
Graffiti Hurts is a public information campaign about the harm graffiti poses.
Gang Presentations
Team members educate youth, parents, schools and community members about the history of gangs, local gangs, trends, and identification of gang behavior. Juvenile Department staff have presented with law enforcement assigned to gang
Sky's the Limit
Sky's the Limit was a juvenile department prevention program which aimed at engaging at-risk youth in pro-social activities. This program is no longer being offered through the Washington County Juvenile Department as of July 2011.
Comprehensive Supervision Unit
The Juvenile Department has a designated team working with youth who have been referred for criminal activity and who are affected by gang behavior. Research shows that many youth are enticed by the gang culture for the reasons listed below:
Curiosity
Generational ties
Protection
Peer Pressure
Excitement
Respect
Family
Basic Needs
The Comprehensive Supervision Unit aims to address many of these areas with youth through prevention, intervention, accountability and supervision. The Juvenile Department as a whole also makes public safety a top priority. The team provides assessments, interventions, supervision and accountability and presents recommendations to the Court by addressing illegal behavior and youth needs. We also explore the support and strength of the youth and family in order to develop strategies to aid in their reformation. We provide avenues for pro social behavior and opportunities to develop skills they may be lacking. We work collaboratively with schools and community agencies.
Western Washington County Gang Intervention Team (WWCGIT)
WWCGIT is a coalition of partners within the Hillsboro and Forest Grove School District communities who have come together to develop and promote a multifaceted approach to reduce the presence of gangs in our community while increasing positive activities and attitudes of our youth. By doing so, we will ensure that all members of the community live free of gang related crime and violence. For more information on the WWCGIT please contact:
Jon Biles Juvenile
Counselor
(503) 846-3598
Jon_biles@co.washington.or.us
Julie McCloud
Crime Prevention Specialist
(503) 846-2585
Julie_mccloud@co.washington.or.us
