Specialist-level preparation in school violence and youth gang intervention

Abstract

Surveys regarding the level and scope of training provided in both traditional child and youth issues and that of school violence and youth gang prevention were sent to 213 school psychology training programs. Ninety specialist-level programs were included in the final study. Results indicated the majority of programs provided substantial intervention training for more traditional behavioral concerns (e.g., ADHD, conduct problems). Training in school violence prevention and, in particular, youth gang prevention/intervention, were lower priorities for training. The hypothesis was not supported that programs located in or near metropolitan areas are more likely to offer training in school violence and gang interventions. These results are discussed within the context of practitioner preparation for violence intervention. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.