Gang Task Force Advisory Board

What Parents Can Do

Parents who suspect gang activity should take steps to intervene.   The following are some suggested steps:

•  Increase your awareness of your child's belongings, clothes, and room.   Know who their friends are and where they “hang out.”

•  Be willing to identify and address the dynamics within your family, as well as factors within the neighborhood and school that could be contributing to your child's gang involvement.

•  Talk to your child or teenager.   Get answers to your questions about their behavior and discuss the consequences of being in a gang.

•  Talk to school officials and counselors.   Ask if they are aware of campus problems and if there are school programs that will help.

•  Contact your local law enforcement agency or juvenile probation department.   They may have a crime prevention or gang specialist who can give you up-to-date information.

•  Call community-based organizations.   Many have experience with gang problems and can give you valuable guidance.

•  Go to your religious leaders for advice.   They may know of programs that help neighborhood children stay out of gangs.

•  Report and immediately remove any graffiti in your neighborhood or local school grounds.

•  Take action – this is the most important thing you can do as an individual, a group, or an organization.