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A Parent's Quick Reference CardRecognizing and Preventing Gang Involvement

Warning Signs That Your Child

May Be Involved with a Gang

This quick reference guide provides common warning signs of ganginvolvement, but may not be all-encompassing. Parents should look

for multiple signs to indicate possible gang involvement becausesome of these indicators alone, such as clothes or musical

preferences, are also common among youth not involved in gangs.Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local gang

symbols, seek help early, and consider contacting school personnel,

local law enforcement, faith leaders, and community organizations foradditional assistance.

Admits to "hanging out"with kids in gangs

Shows an unusualinterest in one or twoparticular colors of

clothing or a particularlogo

Has an unusual interestin gangster-influencedmusic, videos, movies,or websites.

Uses unusual handsignals to communicatewith friends

Has specific drawings organg symbols on school

books, clothes, walls, ortattoos

Comes home withunexplained physicalinjuries (fighting-relatedbruises, injuries to

hand/knuckles)

Has unexplained cash orgoods, such as clothingor jewelry

Carries a weapon

Has been in trouble withthe police

Exhibits negative

changes in behaviorsuch as:

* Withdrawing fromfamily

* Declining school

attendance,performance, behavior

* Staying out latewithout reason

* Displaying an unusual

desire for secrecy

* Exhibiting signs ofdrug use

* Breaking rulesconsistently

* Speaking in gang-style slang

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What Parents Can Do to Prevent

Gang Involvement

Spend quality time withyour child

Get involved in yourchild's school activities

Be a positive role modeland set the rightexample

Know your child'sfriends and their

families

Encourage good studyhabits

Teach your child how tocope with peer pressure

Help your child developgood conflict/resolutionskills (Seewww.safeyouth.org/scripts/teens/conflict.asp)

Encourage your child toparticipate in positiveafterschool activitieswith adult supervision(recreation centers,organized sports, youth

groups)

Take action in yourneighborhood (create aneighborhood alliance,report and removegraffiti)

Talk with your childabout the dangers andconsequences of ganginvolvement. Let yourchild know that youdon't want to see him or

her hurt or arrested.Explain to your child thathe or she should NOT:

* Associate with gangmembers

* Attend parties orsocial eventssponsored by gangs

* Use hand signs,symbols, or language

that is meaningful togangs

* Wear clothing,including specificcolors, which mayhave meaning to

gangs in your area

www.cops.usdoj.gov www.ojjdp.ncjrs.orgwww.fbi.gov

To obtain details on COPS programs, call theCOPS Office Response Center at 800.421.6770