Citation

Goodwill A, Giannone Z. Can. Psychol. 2017; 58(4): 345-353.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Canadian Psychological Association, Publisher University of Manitoba)

DOI

10.1037/cap0000091

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Canadian Psychologists have several challenges regarding our research and practice in the development and application of efficacious treatment models for disrupting the progression of gangs and youth crime. Empirically supported model programs for crime prevention and gang intervention require significant study in the Indigenous community context. Indigenous communities affected by gangs and the practitioners serving in these diverse communities require effective models to coordinate treatments across multiple systems and jurisdictions for health, social service, and justice. As a way of bridging the research gaps, we present an overview of the literature on treatment models deemed by the National Crime Prevention Centre (NCPC) to meet the highest standard for treatment efficacy and cost effectiveness (Public Safety Canada, 2012) and review the evidence generated by studies that engaged Indigenous peoples' experiences in gangs. In doing so, we contribute a synthesis of recommendations for gang intervention programming in Indigenous communities, and critique the body of literature on what is considered best practices for crime prevention/intervention in Canada. We offer practical strategies for abiding by the needs and healing processes of Indigenous peoples, and identify challenges and opportunities for future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)

Language: en