High Risk Youth

At the behest of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, Consejo recently developed Desarrollo Juvenil Latino, a new youth program designed to specifically address the problem of Latino gang violence. Desarrollo Juvenil Latino works closely with high risk youth and their families to formulate a strategic response and provide constructive alternatives to gang involvement for isolated and disenfranchised Latino youth. Activities include tutoring, mentoring, field trips, summer camps, academic scholarships, participation in visual and performing arts as well as opportunities for community service. Programming includes:

• Gang Prevention Community Education Training to assist in identifying the warning signs of gang behavior including graffiti and graphics, gestures, dress codes, as well as language and music

• A Community Violence Intervention Program to target high-risk youth afflicted by family and domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, child neglect, sexual abuse and violence from gang involvement

• A Latino Gang Intervention Program to work with youth affiliated with local gangs and youth who could become targeted by gangs as potential recruits (Could Be’s), youth seeking gang affiliation (Wanna Be’s), regular gang members and senior hard-core gangsters

• Recovery Services including drug and alcohol treatment, mental health counseling, family counseling, grief and loss therapy and support groups