Gang Awareness

GANG AWARENESS

This office is responsible for promoting gang awareness and prevention in the schools and within the community. In a joint effort with the Gang Response Intervention Team (G.R.I.T), the Prince William County Bar Foundation, Inc. and the Prince William County Police this office has a solid platform for a gang awareness and prevention program for our students and the community.

Belinda Caraballo-Fernandez our Gang & Violence Intervention Specialist has implemented programs on gang awareness and prevention for the staff, students and community and is available for presentations. Her direct phone number is 703.791.8070.

PROGRAMS

Juvenile Gang Awareness (Third- through Eighth-Graders; Group Size: 20 students or Class): This presentation is grade appropriate for each of the grade levels. Informs students of the gang life-style, why people join gangs and provides alternatives to joining gangs.

Gang Awareness Presentation (Third- through Fifth-Graders): This presentation is to discuss with the students (grade appropriate) the threat of gangs; the reasons kids join gangs and alternatives.

Gang Awareness Presentation (Staff & Community): This presentation is for school staff and the community to educate them of what to look for in the school/community for gang presence. Available in Spanish.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

	A Parent’s Guide to Gangs: This is a 4x5 14-page pocket guide that was designed to provide parents with information in order to recognize and present gang involvement. Available in Spanish Click on picture to download pocket guide
English Version		Spanish Version
	A Parent’s Quick Reference Card: This is a 8x4 reference card on what parents can do to prevent gang involvement and lists warning signs if your child may be involved with a gang. Available in Spanish - On the left are "Warning Signs That Your Child May be Involved with a Gang" and on the right is a list of "What Parents Can Do to Prevent Gang Involvement." Click on picture to download reference card.
English Version		Spanish Version
	Graffiti - Understanding Graffiti: This is a flyer on graffiti and defines the types (tagger or gang) with samples of each and interpretation. Click on picture to download graffiti flyer.
	Join a Gang You Lose: This is a poster issued from the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force to provide a phone number to report gang activity. Report gang activity by calling 1.866.NO.GANGS.
	The Reality of Gangs: This is a flyer provided by the National Crime Prevention Council to provide information about gangs, what they do and what is their future. Click on picture to download graffiti flyer.
	What Everyone Should Know About Gangs: This is a 16-page booklet that discusses the growing threat of gangs and the reasons kids join gangs. Informs how you can recognize gang activity and provides ways to prevent gangs from taking control. Urges parents and community members to get involved. Click on picture to download booklet.

MAKE A CHANGE (M.A.C.) TATTOO REMOVAL PROGRAM

	The Greater Prince William Area Make A Change (M.A.C.) Tattoo Removal Program is a collaboration of the Prince William Area Gang Response Intervention Team (G.R.I.T.) and the Prince William County Bar Foundation, Inc. This is a voluntary program between youth, families and/or caregivers, public human service agencies, and community-based organizations who will actively and creatively work to address the needs of at-risk youth and families in the greater Prince William area. The commitment of the program is to generate funds so that this service can be offered at no cost to the participant or taxpayers. M.A.C. is a no-cost service for residents of the Greater Prince William Area below the age of 22 who have demonstrated a commitment to change their life for the better by leaving the gang lifestyle and need their gang tattoos removed. CLICK HERE to download your application.
Requirements:	Commit to disassociate from gang membership and association for at least 6 months prior to the first tattoo removal clinic. Complete 50 hours of community service prior to having the first tattoo removed. Free of any new criminal charges at the time of application and while in the program. Drug and alcohol free at the time of applying to the program and while in the program. Attending all school classes and achieving passing grades. If school requirement is accomplished, must be employed or actively seeking employment or be engaged in job training. If on probation or parole, must comply with all rules of probation or parole while in the program.
Referral Process:	Those under the age of 18 must have a responsible adult sponsor who will be willing to stand behind the youth and provide morale encouragement and direction. The applicant’s case manager or sponsor submits the completed Program Application Form (Part A & B), Youth Participation Agreement, Exchange/Release Forms, as well as pertinent case history service plans to the G.R.I.T. Coordinator. G.R.I.T. Coordinator – Phone No. 703.792.5392, Fax No. 703.792.4786. The G.R.I.T. Coordinator presents the forms and the applicant’s case at the next scheduled meeting of the M.A.C. Interagency Committee for consideration. Once accepted, and after showing proof of completing the 50 hours of community service, the applicant may begin treatment if medically cleared by the volunteer doctors.
Contact the G.R.I.T. Coordinator, RICH BUCHHOLZ, 703.792.5392, with any questions, to obtain the necessary forms, or to find help if needing a sponsor.