Cross-sector, multi-agency interventions to address urban youth firearms violence: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

• Of the 129 studies identified, published from 1996–2013, 11 were identified that met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review
• Ten of these studies indicated sizable reductions in violence as measured by fatalities, gang-involved homicides, or shootings
• Two of the more common features of these programs were the use of street outreach workers to act as caseworkers and the provision of positive supports to high-risk persons.

This article summarizes the results from a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) to identify effective cross-sector, multi-agency urban youth firearms violence reduction strategies. Of the 129 studies identified through the systematic REA process, published from 1996–2013, 11 eligible studies met the inclusion criteria. Ten of these studies indicated sizable reductions in violence as measured by fatalities, gang-involved homicides, or shootings. Recommendations for violence reduction strategies and implications for future gun violence research are discussed.