Gangs, Drug abuse & Prostitution within our schools- Washington Heights, NYC 08/28/2014 By: Ambar Ventura Gregorio Luperon High School EMAIL: AVENTURA2@SCHOOLS.NYC.GOV

Steps of the Public Policy Analyst (PPA) (1) Define the Problem (2) Gather the Evidence (3) Identify Causes (4) Examine Existing Policies (5) Develop Solutions (6) Select the Best Solution

TASK: In your groups, complete Worksheet 1 WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GANS, DRUGS AND PROSTITUTION? − − TASK: In your groups, complete Worksheet 1

Problem: HOW CAN WE PREVENT, GANG, DRUG ABUSE & PROSTITUTION RECRUITMENT WITHIN OUR SCHOOLS? Research – (Citywide and Nationwide) Statistics – (Citywide) GANGS IN NYC- RESEARCH! WHAT ARE THE STATITSTICS? READ THE ARTICLE: http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/gangs-of-new-york http://drugabuse.com/library/teen-drug-abuse/

PPA Step 3: Identify the Causes Why do you think students join gangs, use drugs or are lured into prostitution? Research 3 main causes and write them in each of the sections below. 3. 1. 2.

PPA Step 4: Evaluate an Existing Policy What has been done? NYC Department of Education (DOE) Policy. In your journals, give a brief explanation of the (DOE) policy and what do you think it should include? Do you think the (DOE) safety policy addresses GANG, DRUG ABUSE & PROSTITUTION RECRUITMENT WITHIN OUR SCHOOLS?

PPA Step 5: Develop Solutions In your group, create a T-chart using the causes and find solutions to the causes. Be very specific in your solutions. Connect your solutions to your causes in PPA step 3 CAUSES SOLUTIONS

PPA Step 5: Develop Solutions- continued… Based on the gather evidence, What do you think is the best solution to prevent GANG, DRUG ABUSE & PROSTITUTION RECRUITMENT WITHIN OUR SCHOOLS?

Bibliography/Resources National survey on drug abuse: http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/pubs/monographs/mtf-overview2013.pdf http://drugabuse.com/library/teen-drug-abuse/ Violent gangs, prostitution, dangerous weapons — in the classroom: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/prostitution-violent-gangs-weapons-city-school-halls-safety-agent-suit-article-1.1278515 Lawsuit alleges prostitution, increasing violence at NYC schools http://pix11.com/2013/03/05/lawsuit-alleges-prostitution-increasing-violence-at-nyc-schools/ NYC DOE- Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention http://schools.nyc.gov/StudentSupport/NonAcademicSupport/SubstanceAbusePreventionandIntervention.htm http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/adolescent-health-topics/substance-abuse/states/ny.html