NCJ Number
143327
Date Published
1993
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Juvenile gangs are described in terms of their nature, the reasons why youths join them, and methods by which clinicians can screen youths for potential gang involvement.
Abstract
Many youths join gangs in search of love, structure, discipline, recognition, and a sense of belonging. Some join for protection or power. Most gang members are 8-30 years old. The three levels of gang involvement are committed, marginal, and wannabe. Marginal members are the largest in numbers and avoid involvement in major criminal activity. A wannabe is a youth who decides to start a gang. Initiation is a violent and humiliating rite of passage for all gang members. Gang traditions and rituals include the lit book, gang prayers, hand signs and special handshakes, gang terms, and an alphabet and symbols. The four national gang nations are the Bloods, the Crips, the Folks, and the People. Suburban gangs, cults, and skinheads are also emerging. Violence has become a way of life not only for gang members but also for adolescents outside of gang membership. Professionals working with youth should be alert to the signs of involvement. Nicknames, writing, and graffiti can provide information. Other information sources include self- admission, tattoos, special clothing, gestures, personal relationships, home address, photographs, letters, and schoolbooks. Interviewers should listen, watch for body language, never tell a youth what another youth told them, avoid showing shock or surprise, avoid being judgmental, and be flexible and understanding. Illustrations and 26 references