What Mentors Can Learn from Wraparound Gang Interventions for High-Risk Youth

Lee, C., & Wong, J. S. (2025). Strengths, barriers, and recommendations for a wraparound gang intervention program targeting high risk youth. Victims & Offenders, 20(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/15564886.2024.2408681

Introduction

Gang involvement places youth at heightened risk for violence, trauma, justice system contact, and long-term developmental harm. Wraparound interventions aim to counter these risks by surrounding youth with individualized, strengths-based supports across family, school, justice, and community systems. Lee and Wong (2025) examined how one long-standing Wraparound program in British Columbia functions in practice, focusing on implementation strengths and barriers from the perspectives of staff and stakeholders.

Methods

The study used a qualitative design grounded in semi-structured interviews with 38 participants, including program staff, school personnel, police officers, funders, and community partners. Interviews explored program structure, service delivery, collaboration, and perceived challenges. Data was analyzed using grounded theory and inductive thematic analysis, allowing themes to emerge directly from participant experiences.

Results

Strengths included program flexibility, strong interdisciplinary teamwork, proactive burnout-prevention practices, police involvement that enhanced safety without increasing stigma, and persistent relationship-building with youth. Challenges centered on limited staffing and funding, cultural and language barriers, difficulty maintaining boundaries, staff burnout risk, and inconsistent communication and clarity around program mandate among partners.

Discussion

Findings reinforce that Wraparound’s greatest asset, individualized care plans, also creates implementation strain. Trust-based mentoring relationships were essential for engaging gang-involved youth, particularly those with histories of trauma and institutional mistrust. However, insufficient resources and unclear interagency communication threaten program fidelity and sustainability. The authors emphasize improved outreach, clearer role definitions, increased funding, and enhanced cultural responsiveness to strengthen outcomes.

Implications for Mentoring Programs

Mentors should prioritize consistent presence, flexible engagement, and unconditional support, while maintaining clear boundaries to protect their own well-being. Programs should invest in team support, cultural competence, and strong communication with community partners.

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