"Gangs come into existence and flourish because the needs of the young people in a neighborhood or culture or family are not being met. The gang, in essence, fills the void" (Gardner, 1992 www.faculty.missouristate.edu).
Give teens a sense of belonging! Have family dinners, make family traditions, involve your teens in your daily life. Give chores, set goals, and create a family belief system. The more your teen feels like a part of your family, the less likely they will be to seek an alternative family system.
Be aware of and monitor what comes into your home--through music, the computer and TV. Check your teen's room and belongings for signs of gang involvement.
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