Juvenile Gang Control Strategies

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Juvenile gangs have become a serious and growing problem in many areas throughout the United States. It is unlikely that gang control strategies can be successful as long as legitimate economic alternatives are lacking. As we know parents are the primary source of influence and attention in their children’s early years. Once they began to grow older and are forming social groups their peers are then their primary source of influence. Most children between the age of eight and fourteen seek out a stable peer group (Siegel-Welsh 2011). As young adolescences most youth are considered to be in cliques which are small groups of friends who share intimate knowledge and confidence (Siegel-Welsh 2011). Being accepted by their peers also has a major…show more content…
There are many signs to ensure your child may be in a gang such as, your child admits to gang involvement. If they are obsessed with one particular color of clothing or shows a desire for a particular logo over and over. Possibly if they are wearing sagging pants, not as accurate to the point of guaranteed gang involvement, but likely. Wearing excessive jewelry with distinctive designs and may wear it only on either the right side or only on the left side. Another sign could be, becoming obsessed with gangster music, videos, and movies to the point of imitation. Any withdraws from family with an accompanying change in demeanor. When your youth develops an unusual desire for privacy and secrecy, and may completely rearrange living quarters to create more privacy; or uses hand signs while with friends and practices them at home (Officer Tommy Cain 2012 ). Other signs could be physical injury (such as being beaten) and then child lies about the events surrounding the injury. Peculiar drawings or language on school books or other personal items (may appear later as tattoos or brands - usually graffiti-like, hard to decipher, and characterized by crossed out, and upside-down letters, and gang symbols). Also unexplained cash or goods, i.e., clothing and jewelry; or. And lastly possible use of alcohol and drugs with attitude change (Siegel-Welsh 2012). There are various reasons that youth may join gangs, which can be influenced by conditions in their family, school and neighborhood. A vulnerable child seeks love, protection and the acceptance of his or her peers. Youth who lack parental guidance and support, or opportunities for positive involvement with their peers, often turn to a gang to meet those
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