What are some risk factors that may relate to gang involvement?
1. Living in an area with a high level of gang activity. 2. Lack of a positive support system at home. 3. Violence against family members. 4. Denial by the family that the child is under a gang’s influence. 5. Exposure to TV shows, movies and or music that glorify violence. 6. Lack of alternative activities, such as community youth programs. 7. Low self-esteem and or sense of hopelessness about the future. 8. Difficulty making decisions and communicating with others. 9. Too much unsupervised free time. 10. Lack of respect for authority (parents, teachers, law enforcement officers) 11. Experience using alcohol or other drugs. 12. Growing up in a single parent family or with other family members who belong or belonged to gangs. 13. Moving from one place (home) to another several times in a short period of time.
