Working with Gangs and Young People: A Toolkit for Resolving Group

In this review of Working with Gangs and Young People: A Toolkit for Resolving Group Conflict the reviewer finds a practical, research-based manual aimed at practitioners who need structured, realistic interventions. Written after a five-year action research project, the book is best for youth workers, conflict mediators and trainers who want a tested programme to explore the costs and benefits of gang membership with groups. The single biggest reason to buy is its usable training programme that translates theory into ready-made exercises and discussion frameworks for group work.

Key Features

• Research-based programme: The toolkit is built on a five-year action research project so exercises reflect longitudinal learning rather than theory alone.
• Group-focused approach: Materials are designed specifically for working with groups and gangs, helping facilitators manage group dynamics and peer influence.
• Practical interventions: The book offers concrete interventions and activities that practitioners can deliver in training or direct practice sessions.
• Balances risks and needs: It addresses both the dangers gangs can present and the reasons young people join, such as belonging and support.
• Conflict resolution emphasis: The content is organised around resolving group conflict and encouraging young people to reflect on consequences of choices.

Who It's For

The primary audience is frontline practitioners: youth workers, community mediators, probation staff and trainers who run group sessions with young people involved in gangs or at risk of gang affiliation. It suits those who need a structured, tested programme rather than theoretical textbooks.

Those who should look elsewhere include readers seeking a purely academic treatise or policymakers wanting broad statistical analysis; this title focuses on practical group work and training methods rather than national policy or heavy quantitative research.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a clear, ready-to-use training programme grounded in five years of action research.
• Helps facilitators tackle group dynamics and encourages honest reflection on gang membership.
• Offers practical activities and interventions suited to direct work with young people.

Cons

• Not a comprehensive policy or statistical study, so readers needing large-scale data may find it limited.

Specifications

Title	Working with Gangs and Young People: A Toolkit for Resolving Group Conflict
Author/Brand	Jessie Feinstein
Focus	Training programme and conflict resolution with groups and gangs
Basis	Five-year action research project developed by Leap Conf
Intended users	Youth workers, mediators, trainers and practitioners
Approach	Practical interventions, group exercises and reflective activities

Our Verdict

Working with Gangs and Young People is a valuable, practical toolkit for practitioners who need proven group-work methods rather than abstract theory. It delivers good value for trainers and frontline staff because the exercises and interventions are directly usable and grounded in action research, making it a strong choice for those running conflict-resolution programmes with young people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for classroom teachers?
Yes, teachers involved in groupwork and pastoral support can adapt the exercises, though it is primarily aimed at youth workers and mediators.

Does the toolkit include session plans?
Yes, the book contains a training programme with practical activities and interventions designed for group sessions.

Is the content evidence based?
Yes, the material is based on a five-year action research project, so its approaches reflect tested practice.