Tackling gang and serious youth violence – cross-government plans

The Department for Work and Pensions and the Home Office are leading cross government plans to deal with gang culture and serious youth violence. The report "Ending gang and youth violence" (1 November 2011) underlines the importance of employment in preventing young people becoming involved in gang violence, or in offering them a route out.

• Ending gang and youth violence (Home Office)

Headlines from the report for the Department for Work and Pensions include:

Focusing the second phase of the Innovation Fund on vulnerable young people – including gang members.

Further support for ex-offenders by referring prison leavers directly to the Work Programme. This is expected to start in March 2012.

Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said:

"Gangs are having a devastating impact on our most deprived neighbourhoods. The violence they perpetrate leaves communities living in daily fear, feeling powerless to do anything.

"Tackling this is a key Government priority. Local communities, including their young people, should be supported to deliver a clear message that enough is enough, and local agencies, police and the voluntary sector can together provide the services needed to stop the violence. Those gang members who want to exit gang life should be helped to do so, but those who continue to commit violence should feel the full force of the law.

"Only by effectively working together can we turn the tide of gang violence, and in doing so transform the lives of the young people and families in those communities."

Advice for parents

If you are concerned that your child is at risk of involvement with gang violence, please visit Directgov.

• Gangs and gang crime: advice for parents (Directgov)