Social worker founded program to minimize youth gang entry

Chicago social worker Tony DiVittorio is using his Becoming a Man (BAM) group to help prevent local teens from joining a gang, according to a recent NPR article.

Currently, the program DiVittorio created in 2003 operates in 16 public high schools and elementary schools, the news outlet reports. The boys in the program are often viewed as being at risk for entering a gang, have no positive male role models or have behavioral problems.

At BAM, each boy receives a clinical assessment by a counselor, as well as necessary counseling as needed. The program's staff members are also in communication with the kids' teachers, according to the news outlet.

During the 2010 school year, the Chicago Police Department told the source that 36 children ages 5 to 18 were shot in a gang-related incident.

Individuals with child, family and school social work careers may intervene in these cases, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These professionals may work with foster homes for abused or neglected children or specialize in a particular problem, such as adoption, homelessness or gang violence. As many positions require an advanced degree, individuals who want to work in schools or clinical social work may want to consider earning an MSW.

POSTED BY: ec_admin - April 16th, 2011 at 03:52pm ( 0 )