Investigating pathways to gang membership: What can educational psychologists add?

Abstract

Developing a greater understanding surrounding the predictive factors of gang membership for young people forms part of the government’s (HD, 2011) and multiple other agencies’ agendas to intervene early to tackle gang crime. In light of the new sixteen to twenty-five agenda (DfE & DoH, 2014) which brings college-age young people under the remit of educational psychologist’s (EPs) support, gang membership is also relevant to this professional group. From the sparse literature that exists, this study attempts to respond to calls to develop our knowledge of predictive factors, by developing a screening tool via multi-agency avenues. Results of the study revealed how police data continues to be important in predicting and preventing gang membership. For educational data, attendance and exclusion did not contribute any predictive element. SEN data contributed in unexpected ways. Results excluded the use of a screening tool prompting instead the consideration of wider predictive factors from a larger number of relevant agencies and more sensitive data collection techniques. The multi-agency skill set of EPs, their knowledge and experiences of research and training means they are well-placed to contribute to future research and delivery of support.