1 Individual risk factors include status and identity needs, poverty, unemployment, dysfunctional families, ethnic segregation and inadequate education opportunities. Gangs may be viewed as a failure of society to socialize a segment of its youth. Child has new nicknames. Child has truancy problem and poor school performance. Child has late hours or time that is not accounted for.
Child wears specific colors or has a particular style of dress.
Child has tattoos or clothing or other items with insignias or logos. Learn the characteristics of gangs that may exist in your neighborhood. Heed the warning signs of gang involvement. Listen to your children. Discuss gangs, drug use and the criminal justice system with your children.