Many communities across the province have challenges with street gangs, not just the larger centres and this province has the highest number of youth gang members per capita. A Saskatoon-based organization that helps people leave street gangs has released the second phase of a report to develop a community-based approach which emphasizes prevention and intervention.

The author of the first phase of the report, Robert Henry, is an assistant professor at the University of Calgary. He says from community engagement they have found that there is a push for addressing the underlying causes rather than just pushing the policing aspect.

Saskatoon-based STR8 Up has proposed a five-year plan to deliver community-based programs including outreach for transition from correctional facilities, court advocacy, sharing circles, addictions and mental health needs and prevention/intervention work with youth at risk for gang involvement.

STR8 Up reports that Saskatchewan has the highest number of youth gang members per capita, with an estimated 500 to 600 street gang members in Saskatoon alone.

You can click on the report below:
PGS-Report-and-Community-Online