GANG PREVENTION

REASONS FOR GANG MEMBERSHIP 1. IDENTITY 2. PROTECTION 3.FELLOWSHIP 4. INTIMIDATION

EARLY WARNING SIGNS  GRAFFITI  YOUTH “HANG OUT” PLACES  INCREASE IN CRIME

CONSEQUENCES OF GANG INVOLVEMENT SHORT TERM  TROUBLE WITH THE LAW  DROP OUT OF SCHOOL  INVOLVEMENT WITH DRUGS AND WEAPONS LONG TERM  JAIL/PRISON  RISK OWN LIFE AND LIVES OF FAMILY  LOSE CHANCE FOR EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

WHAT YOU CAN DO  GET INVOLVED BE AWARE OF SURROUNDINGS  GET RID OF GRAFFITI PHOTO, REMOVE AND REPORT  PARENTAL INTERVENTION BE AWARE OF CHILDS ACTIVITIES

POSITIVE STEPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD RESIST GANGS 1. KNOW YOUR CHILD 2. PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR CHILD TO CHOOSE HEALTHY FRIENDS 3. BE ACTIVE WITH YOUR CHILDREN IN OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

STEPS CONT’D 4. PROVIDE LIMITS AND ROUTINES FOR YOUR CHILDREN 5. TEACH AND BELIEVE THAT MISTAKES ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN 6. ASK YOUR CHILDREN QUESTIONS

STEPS CONT’D 7. HAVE FAMILY MEETING 8. MAKE SURE CHILDREN KNOW THAT YOU LOVE HIM/HER 9. TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT GANGS

STEPS CONT’D 10. PRACTICE MUTUAL RESPECT WITH YOUR CHILD 11. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP