Gangs are a problem. But a bigger problem than gangs themselves is the lack of gang and crime prevention programs in place in Canada. While our government has no problem incarcerating to no end, what is this doing to help our society?
Young offenders in Canada are the most vulnerable to gang recruitment, more specifically aboriginal males. There are 434 youth gangs in Canada, with 7071 youth gang members. The government’s solution to the increasing rates of crime among our youth, is incarceration.
What Is This Doing To Our Society?
While charges and jail-time are the easiest punishments, all it does it increase the recidivism among youth. The “gang effect” is that individuals with increased delinquency, drug use, and violence are more susceptible to join or return to a gang. Gangs are not only exclusive to cities; there is gang crime and violence in every geographical locations.
What Alternatives Do We Have?
Rather than throwing people in jail left and right, our government could use that money towards gang prevention programs. These programs would positively impact thousands of Canadians. In order
How Can We Help?
To be able to effectively help our brothers and sisters, we need to be able to remove our privilege to put ourselves in their shoes. We need to recognize that we have different priorities, different experiences. In order to improve the system, the recognition of what is required is vital.
Some examples of the basics that would be helpful to those in gangs, susceptible to gang recruitment, and families of gang members are: providing emotional support systems, group sessions, anger management courses, career and goal counselling, education courses and opportunities for jobs are just some of the endless possibilities to help our society.
To Start a Gang-Prevention Program in Your Area, Here’s What You Can Do
Commencing change is not for the faint of heart. In order to start a program like this, you must be dedicated and educated. Through experience, municipalities listen better when you take action. You could start by getting a group of people that are also committed to making this change, brainstorming and working out the details so that you are able to tell your government what you need and what should be done. Stand your ground, keep the peace, and remember: change doesn’t come from comfort.
Additional Information
Here are the websites used for informational purposes, they helped me and they could help you!
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/gngs-cnd/index-en.aspx
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/yth-gng-prvntn-fnd/index-en.aspx
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2016001/article/14318-eng.htm
https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/crm-prvntn/fndng-prgrms/yth-gng-prvntn-fnd-en.aspx
