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

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.