G.I.V.E - Gang Intervention and Violence Education


 

Nationally, statistics reflect that gangs make up approximately one percent of the total population in most areas. MadisonCounty is no exception. Law enforcement has identified over 2,000 gang members in our area. This presents a problem in that it has been determined that gang members commit anywhere from 50% to 75% of the crimes in the areas where gang activity exists.

In 1998, then District Attorney Tim Morgan and Assistant District Attorney Melissa Heron took pro-active stance in relating to the problems of young people by establishing a pilot 3rd grade program for local schools called Gang Intervention and Violence Education (G.I.V.E.). This 5-hour program, covering the topics of juvenile justice, how to stay away from gangs, bullying, gun safety and avoiding the perils of violence and fighting is offered free of charge to the Huntsville City, Madison City and Madison County School Systems and has been developed with their full cooperation and support. Because national statistics show that young people become interested in gangs at 8 to 9 years of age, we feel that targeting the 3rd grade classes is the most effective way to reach children at risk. We want to show that gang membership is literally a dead-end street and there are better, more productive ways to deal with conflict.
 

The Madison County District Attorney’s Office employs two full-time employees to administer this program. Karen Forney is the Administrator and Coordinator, assisted by Instructor Portia Stainbrook. Both have an extensive background in law enforcement and are available to speak to civic groups about the program.
 

We are proud to say that our community has been most generous in their donations of supplies and services. The G.I.V.E. program was recently awarded a grant that will provide supplies such as crayons, coloring books and visuals for every 3rd grader in every classroom in MadisonCounty.

 

For further information or to schedule your school for a one-week free program, please contact Karen Forney at 256.327.3843