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What You
Know About
Gangs Could
Save Your
Child�s Life



OFFICE OF CRIMINAL
JUSTICE PLANNING

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
GRAY DAVIS
GOVERNOR


The Great Seal of the State of California



Gangs are a major problem in California. What they do isn�t kid stuff. Gang members have destroyed property and committed violent crimes, including maiming and murdering innocent people.

This brochure can help parents understand why a young person joins a gang and the warning signs that indicate gang membership.


8 REASONS WHY KIDS JOIN
GANGS


  • low self-esteem

  • lack of identity

  • need to feel important

  • companionship/sense of belonging

  • security

  • lack of positive alternative activities, like sports

  • lack of parental involvement

  • peer pressure


SIGNALS THAT CAN
INDICATE GANG
MEMBERSHIP


  • change in the style of clothing usually worn or wearing one particular color often

  • withdrawing from one�s family

  • declining grades and poor school atten-dance

  • unexplained money or possessions

  • tattoos affiliated with a group

  • use of nicknames

  • appearance of graffiti on personal articles

  • contacts with local police


DON�T THINK THAT
BECAUSE SOMEONE IS ON
THE THRESHOLD OF
JOINING A GANG, OR IS
ALREADY A GANG
MEMBER, THAT IT IS TOO
LATE TO ESTABLISH
POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES!
THERE ARE THINGS
PARENTS CAN DO


  • establish non-negotiable family rules regarding the use of alcohol, drugs, and gang membership

  • establish clear guidelines and limits for your children�s behavior and their activities

  • spend time with your children; things with them and attend functions in which they are involved

  • respect your children�s feelings and attitudes; help them develop a strong sense of self-esteem

  • seek professional help from a local agency

  • know your children�s friends

  • meet regularly with school counselors and teachers

  • educate yourself about gangs a drugs



California Crime Watch Logo


For more information, contact your local anti-gang effort, or call the Office of Criminal Justice Planning at (916) 327-3682 and ask for the Gang Violence Suppression Branch.


The Office of Criminal Justice Planning thanks Dan Daneen, a counselor with the Council for the Spanish Speaking of Stockton,
for his assistance with this brochure.

 
 

Why We Watch for Gangs and Graffiti

 

Fremont North Neighborhood Council / What You Know About Gangs Could Save Your Child's Life / Webmaster