There is a California gang tattoo removal program called Second Chance. The name refers to the fact that teens and young adults who leave gangs can fully leave the gang behind by getting their gang tattoos removed and that this gives them a second chance at life. However, the name also has a secondary meaning now because the program was almost shut down due to financial problems and has received a second chance itself due to an influx of new money.
"Second Chance pays $950 for four hours of tattoo removal at the clinic and brings 22 to 25 people for each session. The program invests more than $35,000 a year for tattoo removal assistance. Before the funding was restored, each tattoo removal visit was scheduled every six to eight weeks. Now the program hopes to increase the frequency." (source)
The program still has a long waiting list of former gang members who want to get a second chance on life by getting their tattoos removed. This will allow them to get job and start new friendships without the stigma associated with the gang tattoo. Hopefully the funding will continue and the program will be successful so that the second chance can continue to be available to many other people seeking to make this important tattoo removal change. Question of the Day: How should funding be generated for gang tattoo removal programs? photo link
