The National Youth Gang Survey estimated that there were 30,000 gangs in 2011. This shows a steady increase since 2003. Over 90% of gang members are male.
Common characteristics of a gang include Has a name
- Display colors or symbols
- Hang out together
- Commit crime together
- Claim a territory
- Has a leader or leaders
- Has 3 or more members
- Ages 12-24 (generally)
Gangs today tend to use firearms.
The most common reasons youth state that they join gangs are:
- Social – to be part of a group, be around friends and family (siblings and cousins who are already gang members);
- Protection – young people believe gangs can protect them
The effects of gang involvement can include:
- School problems
- Drop out of school
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Problems with social development
- Aggressiveness
- Continued criminal behavior into adulthood
Sometimes it is difficult to get out of gang. If your son is involved in a gang, you need to get him out immediately. The best way is to remove him from his surroundings. He will need to be in safe place so gang members cannot retaliate.
Triumph Youth Services offers a small, highly structured family-type environment for youth. This family-like community promotes a social environment that takes on both therapeutic and healing properties instead of maintaining negative behaviors.
Reference:
http://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/Survey-Analysis/Measuring-the-Extent-of-Gang-Problems#estimatednumbergangs
http://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/About/FAQ#q1
