PURPOSE
Since 1991, the City’s Anti-Gang Task Force (AGTF) has worked to end gang violence and crime in Santa Clarita through partnerships, proactive programming, and networking. The Task Force is currently operated out of the City of Santa Clarita Community Services Division.
View the 2008 Anti-Gang Task Force Yearly Report
Gang Outreach Committee (GOC) - Top Three Priorities
The most recent development for the AGTF is the formation of a new subcommittee called the Gang Outreach Committee. This new subcommittee is made up of “front‑line” people from various organizations and agencies throughout Santa Clarita who work with gang members, some on a daily basis, and therefore, have first-hand knowledge of gang issues in Santa Clarita.
Through collaboration, outreach, and creative program development, committee members reach out to gang‑affiliated individuals with positive alternatives, resources, and assistance in order to decrease gang membership, intimidation, and crime.
Outreach
To inform parents, school administrators, and local agencies regarding the warning signs of youth gang involvement, and to inform them of the resources available in the community. Click on link to obtain an informative and helpful brochure about gangs. Link to brochure.
Interconnect
To provide outreach to gang-affiliated/ high-risk youth, through mentorship, job skills training, and collaboration with local agencies.
Canyon Country Community Center
To establish a Community Center in Canyon Country, which will provide positive opportunities for high-risk youth.
Youth Employment Program (YES)
View the latest YES newsletter articles: Article #1 
| Article #2 | Article #3
PROGRAMS
Community Center — Recreational, educational, and wellness programming such as boxing, teen groups, tutoring and sports are provided for high‑risk, low‑income youth and families at low or no cost.
Community Court — The Santa Clarita Community Court is a community-based diversion program that provides an alternative to the juvenile justice system for first-time, non-violent, juvenile offenders. Juvenile offenders who have committed non-violent petty crimes, such as shoplifting, speeding, and vandalism, are sentenced by a judge to make restitution through community service, attend diversion classes, and pay financial penalties. If they complete the program, their crime does not go on their record.
Girls Issues Group (GIG) — Similar to P.O.W.E.R., this support group is offered weekly to high risk teenage girls ages 13-18 who are struggling with gang & drug issues, family problems and other issues. Support, educational outings, mentorship and resources are provided.
Graffiti Task Force — The Graffiti Task Force meets regularly with members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and City staff to discuss graffiti related issues.
Hero of the Week — Local youth are selected by school administrators for showing leadership qualities, making a positive change in their life, and overcoming obstacles in their lives.
Job Skills Program — Provides high-risk young adults, ages 18-25 years old, the opportunity to gain work experience in the City’s Parks Division.
P.O.W.E.R. — (Peers on the Way to Everlasting Rediscovery) – An adolescent outreach program offers high risk male teens, in need of support, a peer network to discuss issues that affect their behavior and perception of life. Through participation in the outreach program teens put their lives in perspective and deal with the problems that currently govern their existence. The outreach program is dedicated to help teens rediscover themselves and find a new beginning and make the right choices.
Teens Against Graffiti (TAG) — Teens, ages 13-18 years old, participate on the third Saturday of every month painting over graffiti in local washes.
Tattoo Removal — Participants who complete Community Service hours can have their gang tattoos removed at no cost to the participant.
Youth Employment Packet — A youth employment packet was created for teens who do not qualify for the City’s Youth Employment Services program. The packet includes employment leads and tips on how to search for a job and be a good employee.
Youth Employment Services (YES) (PDF*) — Provides teens, ages 14-18 years old, who are high-risk, low-income and special education with job employment and job skills training.
Youth Resource Directory (PDF*) — An informative book with over 100 resources available for teens in crisis. Link to Youth Resource Directory.
AGENCY COLLABORATION
The AGTF collaborates with the following agencies to refer teens for additional resources and programs.
ACTION — Parent and teen support groups, taught by trained personnel, promote positive communication to effectively resolve conflicts, and develop skills between parents and teens. Classes are held every Tuesday, from 7:00-9:00 p.m., at Saugus High School, in Room ZT. Call (661) 297-4660 or 1 (800) FOR TEENS.
SCV Youth Project — The SCV Youth Project is a private, nonprofit agency that provides advocacy, family mediation, crisis intervention, campus outreach, to teens and their families with no strings attached. Call (661) 257-YOUTH or www.helpnothassle.org. c
Pyles Survival Training Camp — For high-risk boys, ages 13-14 years old. The camp is designed to encourage teamwork, trust, and self-esteem through survival training in the wilderness.
For more information on AGTF programs, call Cynthia Llerenas at (661) 250-3720 or send an email at cllerenas@santa-clarita.com.
