The SAFER latinos project: Addressing a community ecology underlying Latino Youth violence

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

8-1-2010

Journal

Journal of Primary Prevention

Volume

31

Issue

4

DOI

10.1007/s10935-010-0219-3

Keywords

Central American immigrants; Community ecology; Participatory model; Youth violence prevention

Abstract

This paper describes the intervention model, early implementation experience, and challenges for the Seguridad, Apoyo, Familia, Educacion, y Recursos (SAFER) Latinos project. The SAFER Latinos project is an attempt to build the evidence for a multilevel participatory youth violence prevention model tailored to the specific circumstances of Central American immigrants. Specific circumstances targeted in this intervention are decreased family cohesion as a result of sequential immigration (i.e., parents arriving first and bringing their children years later or youth arriving without parents); multiple school barriers; community disorganization and low community efficacy; limited access to services; and a social context (including gang presence) that is linked to youth norms supporting violence. In its implementation, the initial intervention model was adapted to address barriers and challenges. These are described, along with lessons learned and the ongoing evaluation. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

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