As a member moves, or switches schools he simply starts the gang in a new area. They're showing up everywhere. When a gang attends a public event, the potential for violence and criminal activity is great. The resulting violence often claims innocent victims, which is why everyone is impacted by gang activity. Parents need to become aware of gang members, their characteristics and activities, to protect their children and to enable parents to intervene if gang involvement is detected.
Many gang members have a history of troubled family lives.
Young people of all socio-economic levels and ethnic backgrounds are members of gangs. In gangs they find a form of support, attention, and the common ground they may not have with their families. Phone threats to family directed against child A new fear of the police A new found sense of bravery Prevention and Intervention Insist on meeting teen's friends and their parents Know where your child is going, with who, how he's traveling, and when to expect him home Set rules and enforce them.