Mayor’s Office of Gang Prevention and Intervention

A Division of the Department of Neighborhoods

Houston’s youth are its most valuable resource, so it’s important that they have access to programs to achieve success. Some youth however, make choices or experience challenges that threaten their safety and well-being. Since 1994 the Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office, renamed the Mayor’s Office of Gang Prevention and Intervention, has worked to provide comprehensive responses to youth violence and juvenile delinquency through direct services, collaboration, education, and policy development. The office is recognized at local, state and federal levels for its knowledgeable staff, numerous partnerships, and expertise in prevention and intervention services for high risk, delinquent and gang involved youth.

Gangs and youth violence aren’t just issues for law enforcement to address.  They are community problems that deserve everyone’s attention. Working together, we can help keep kids safe.

MOGPI Programs and Services

Futbolito in the City
We have partnered with the the Houston Dynamo FC, the Houston Dash and Shell Energy to provide a safe space for kids to learn to play soccer. Kids ages 6-14 will receive free coaching, have the opportunity to receive prizes including Dynamo FC/Dash gear, tickets, autographs and the chance to meet Dynamo FC/Dash players. Read more Futbolito ...

Gang and Delinquency Intervention Case Management
Counselors provide social work case management services to delinquent, gang involved, and high risk youth to direct them away from negative activities and provide them with opportunities to develop positive changes in behavior and status.

Ladies Choice Girls Program
Ladies Choice support groups include discussion and activities that promote resiliency and provide girls with opportunities to share experiences that are helpful to each other.

Young Fathers Program
Young Fathers focuses on teenage parents who either have a child, are expecting a child, or are at-risk of becoming a teen parent. The program aims to build skill sets that lead to responsible, capable, and healthy parenting, and for youth who are not parents, consequences.

Peace on the Streets
Youth must be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of positive activities. They should be able to meet and develop relationships with role models and leaders who are from their own communities. Peace on the Streets organizes events and activities across the city that promote youth, family, and community interactions.

Outreach and Education
Prevention presentations are conducted for youth to educate them on the dangers and consequences of delinquent behaviors and to build resistance skills; awareness presentations assist adults in identifying and addressing gang involvement and delinquency issues within their families and communities; and training presentations are provided to build the skill sets of personnel who work with young people.

iMatter
MOGPI has partnered with the Parks Department to conduct iMatter presentations to youth participants at city recreation centers. The presentations teach gang, bullying, drug and alcohol resistance skills, along with self-awareness, kindness and empathy skills.