RESOURCES ON GANGS

National Gang Association

The National Gang Center serves those in the fields of juvenile and criminal justice, law enforcement, youth and community organizations, research, and others across the nation with responsibilities for addressing gang‐related crime and violence. The NGC provides an array of best‐practice information, resources, training, strategic tools, and expertise to assist those who are working to prevent youth from joining gangs, intervene with those who are gang‐involved, and suppress criminal and violent street gang activity. They offer a wide variety of resources, including several highlighted below.

Why do so many of our youth join gangs? This video presentation from the National Gang Center features gang researchers, practitioners, and young people who were previously involved in gangs. Learn about research regarding gang membership, as well as firsthand insights into the behaviors and the circumstances that you might observe when interacting with youth who are at high risk of joining a gang. Watch “Why Youth Join Gangs” to learn more.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

The Parents’ Guide to Gangs is a great resource offered by the National Gang Center. This document helps parents recognize warning signs and gang identifiers, as well as offering recommendations for next-steps. Download the Parents’ Guide to Gangs to learn more.

You can also download a Spanish version of the Parents’ Guide to Gangs.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

The mission of Boys and Girls Clubs of America is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” They offer a variety of programs around sports, education, the arts, health and wellness, career development, and character and leadership. To learn more, visit Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

JOIN THE TEAM

Gangs are already working together to undermine the safety of the public – be a part of the answer.