NCJ Number
146770
Journal
PTA Today Dated: (February 1985) Pages: 13,15
Date Published
1993
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Both parents and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) can take several specific actions to prevent children's involvement in juvenile gangs.
Abstract
Gangs have existed in large numbers in the United States since at least 1910. Gangs now have branches in many communities as well as suburban areas. Gangs recruit members from all racial, ethnic, and religious groups and all socioeconomic levels. However, low-income youths are more likely than others to become gang members because their families' survival struggles leave little time for nurturing. Factors that make youths vulnerable to gang influence are family breakups, high youth unemployment, lack of recreational activities, and a personal pattern of failure in school, home, and among peers. Youths join gangs to gain status, attention, and money. Concerned parents should become aware of signs of possible involvement in a gang and should protect their children from a gang's influence by spending time with their children, talking with them about outside influences, and communicate with their child's school. PTA's should observe changes in their neighborhoods, appoint a member to seek information about gangs, conduct an information night, and help youth-service agencies. Additional recommendations and case examples of how two PTA's dealt with gangs