Children and Gangs info Training

11

Children and Gangs info Children and Gangs info TrainingTraining

How to help kids stay out of How to help kids stay out of gangsgangs

22

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

Why Learn About GangsWhy Learn About Gangs Gang FascinationGang Fascination Local Gang IdentifiersLocal Gang Identifiers Gang SlangGang Slang At Risk KidsAt Risk Kids Indicators of Gang InvolvementIndicators of Gang Involvement Children Facing Gang IntimidationChildren Facing Gang Intimidation Levels of Gang InvolvementLevels of Gang Involvement Tactics for Dealing With Gang ActivityTactics for Dealing With Gang Activity How Bigs Can Help At Risk YouthHow Bigs Can Help At Risk Youth Building a Child’s Resources and Problem Solving Building a Child’s Resources and Problem Solving

SkillsSkills If Big Fears Gang Involvement After Being MatchedIf Big Fears Gang Involvement After Being Matched Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

Click Below To Go To Section Of Choice or hit enter Click Below To Go To Section Of Choice or hit enter to continueto continue

33

Why Learn About Why Learn About Gangs?Gangs?

Everyone should learn about gangs. Adults and parents Everyone should learn about gangs. Adults and parents should learn about gangs so they are aware of what is should learn about gangs so they are aware of what is going on around them so they can look for warning signs in going on around them so they can look for warning signs in the kids they associate with. This also helps them teach the kids they associate with. This also helps them teach correct information when the opportunity is presented. correct information when the opportunity is presented.

Even young kids should know what gangs are and that it is Even young kids should know what gangs are and that it is something that they want to stay away from. something that they want to stay away from.

Girls are just as likely as boys to be involved with a gang. Girls are just as likely as boys to be involved with a gang. If they don’t get the correct information from a trusted If they don’t get the correct information from a trusted adult, they could receive glorified information from other adult, they could receive glorified information from other sources (music, TV, older kids) which could make gang life sources (music, TV, older kids) which could make gang life sound more appealing than it actually is. sound more appealing than it actually is.

Make sure the information given to them is age Make sure the information given to them is age appropriate. For examples visit appropriate. For examples visit http://www.talkwithkids.org/violence.html

http://www.talkwithkids.org/violence.html

http://www.talkwithkids.org/violence.html

44

Gang FascinationGang Fascination If a child is starting to show fascination with a gang If a child is starting to show fascination with a gang

(see local gang identifiers) then this can be a great (see local gang identifiers) then this can be a great opener of talking to a child about it. Ask them why opener of talking to a child about it. Ask them why they like these things (Example: Why do you always they like these things (Example: Why do you always wear blue, Why is the number 14 on all of your wear blue, Why is the number 14 on all of your notebooks, why are you writing your words like that?) notebooks, why are you writing your words like that?)

This gives you an opportunity to find out who their This gives you an opportunity to find out who their friends are, where they are getting their influences, friends are, where they are getting their influences, and what level of involvement they are. If they are and what level of involvement they are. If they are just fascinated by it, help them understand the just fascinated by it, help them understand the realities of gang life and that it should not be a realities of gang life and that it should not be a lifestyle they choose.lifestyle they choose.

Be patient and give them the opportunity to talk. Let Be patient and give them the opportunity to talk. Let them know you are there for them and won’t judge them know you are there for them and won’t judge them. Remember just because they are making a them. Remember just because they are making a poor choice does not make them a bad person.poor choice does not make them a bad person.

55

Local Gang IdentifiersLocal Gang Identifiers

The next few slides cover local gang identifiers. If a child is showing The next few slides cover local gang identifiers. If a child is showing an obsession with these things then it could indicate gang an obsession with these things then it could indicate gang involvement or gang fascination. involvement or gang fascination.

Nationally estimated there are over 960,000 gang members and there Nationally estimated there are over 960,000 gang members and there are active gangs in all 50 states are active gangs in all 50 states

Each gang has numbers, letters, colors and sports teams usually Each gang has numbers, letters, colors and sports teams usually associated with them –see individual gangsassociated with them –see individual gangs

Territory listed are common areas for that gang, but they can be Territory listed are common areas for that gang, but they can be found in other areas found in other areas

Numbers, letters and symbols can be hidden in drawings and things Numbers, letters and symbols can be hidden in drawings and things that the child does. that the child does.

Common ways to hide them are: the points on a crown, roman numerals, Common ways to hide them are: the points on a crown, roman numerals, switching numbers for letters, on clocks, in corners, or in place of shapes switching numbers for letters, on clocks, in corners, or in place of shapes within a drawing within a drawing

66

Local Gang IdentifiersLocal Gang Identifiers“Surenos”“Surenos”

Nick Names and Sets: MS 13, Mexican Mafia, Nick Names and Sets: MS 13, Mexican Mafia, Emme (Spanish for M), Avenues (Aves), Crown Emme (Spanish for M), Avenues (Aves), Crown Latin Kings, Latin Kings,

Color –Blue Color –Blue Number:13 -13th letter of the alphabet is MNumber:13 -13th letter of the alphabet is M Sports Teams: Oakland Raiders, Chicago White Sports Teams: Oakland Raiders, Chicago White

Sox and LA KingsSox and LA Kings Rival: NortenosRival: Nortenos Territory: The Avenues, 13Territory: The Avenues, 13thth and 18 and 18thth street, street,

OgdenOgden

*Surenos are the most confrontational, having *Surenos are the most confrontational, having rivalries with almost every other gang, rivalries with almost every other gang, including other Sureno setsincluding other Sureno sets

77

Local Gang IdentifiersLocal Gang Identifiers“Nortenos”“Nortenos”

Nick Names and Sets: Ene (Spanish Nick Names and Sets: Ene (Spanish for N), American Mafia Gangsters, 6th for N), American Mafia Gangsters, 6th Street, Northside Street, Northside

Color –RedColor –Red Number- 14 -14th letter of the Number- 14 -14th letter of the

alphabet is N (sometimes written as alphabet is N (sometimes written as X4)X4)

Sports Team: New York YankeesSports Team: New York Yankees Rivals: SurenosRivals: Surenos Territory: 6Territory: 6thth street, North Salt Lake, street, North Salt Lake,

88

Local Gang Identifiers Local Gang Identifiers ““Bloods”Bloods”

Nick Names and Sets -Piru, 8 Ball, Black Mafia Nick Names and Sets -Piru, 8 Ball, Black Mafia Gansters Gansters

Color- RedColor- Red Number: 5Number: 5 Sports Teams Chicago Bulls, Cincinnati Reds, Sports Teams Chicago Bulls, Cincinnati Reds,

Kansas City Chiefs, Redskins, 49ers, and Kansas City Chiefs, Redskins, 49ers, and other Red Teamsother Red Teams

Rival: CripsRival: Crips Territory: 7Territory: 7thth street, 55 street, 55thth street, street, Will avoid using words with the letter c in Will avoid using words with the letter c in

them (for Crips) will usually substitute it for a them (for Crips) will usually substitute it for a k or s when writing (depending on what sound k or s when writing (depending on what sound the c makes in the word)the c makes in the word)

99

Local Gang Identifiers Local Gang Identifiers ““Crips”Crips”

Nick Names and Sets: East Side Mafia, Baby Nick Names and Sets: East Side Mafia, Baby RegulatorsRegulators

Color: BlueColor: Blue Sports Teams: Michigan, Notre Dame, North Sports Teams: Michigan, Notre Dame, North

Carolina, Georgetown, Dallas Cowboys, and Carolina, Georgetown, Dallas Cowboys, and other blue teamsother blue teams

Rival: BloodsRival: Bloods Territory: 15Territory: 15thth Street, West Side, East Side, Street, West Side, East Side,

Rose Park, Rose Park, Will avoid writing ck (this is slang for Crip Will avoid writing ck (this is slang for Crip

Killer) and replaced with double c in words. Killer) and replaced with double c in words. They will also add Ks after Bs (slang for blood They will also add Ks after Bs (slang for blood killer) ex “kick back” would be written as “kicc killer) ex “kick back” would be written as “kicc bkacc”)bkacc”)

1010

Local Gang IdentifiersLocal Gang Identifiers“Straight Edgers”“Straight Edgers”

Nick Names and Sets: SXE, XXX, XNick Names and Sets: SXE, XXX, X Number: 10Number: 10 Sports Team: New York Yankees and SyracuseSports Team: New York Yankees and Syracuse Rivals: All other gangs Rivals: All other gangs This started as a movement for kids to abstain This started as a movement for kids to abstain

from drugs, alcohol and sex, but some from drugs, alcohol and sex, but some members in Utah decided to violently enforce members in Utah decided to violently enforce their beliefs on other people. This moved it their beliefs on other people. This moved it into a gang classification. A child can into a gang classification. A child can consider themselves as a “Straight Edge” and consider themselves as a “Straight Edge” and not be participating in violence. Ask not be participating in violence. Ask questions before assuming that they are questions before assuming that they are involved in gang activity involved in gang activity

1111

Gang SlangGang Slang

801,213, 310 714: Area Codes of 801,213, 310 714: Area Codes of Gang’s LocationGang’s Location

21: 21 Street a Utah Local Gang21: 21 Street a Utah Local Gang 187: A California Penal Code, 187: A California Penal Code,

which stands for homicidewhich stands for homicide CK, BK, NK, SK, : Crip Killer, CK, BK, NK, SK, : Crip Killer,

Blood Killer, Norteno Killer, Blood Killer, Norteno Killer, Sureno Killer, Sureno Killer,

1212

At Risk KidsAt Risk Kids

There are several factors that can There are several factors that can put a child at risk for gang put a child at risk for gang involvement. These could be involvement. These could be things from a poor family things from a poor family environment to a tough environment to a tough neighborhood, to personality neighborhood, to personality clashes with peers. The next few clashes with peers. The next few slides cover these more in depth. slides cover these more in depth.

1313

At Risk KidsAt Risk KidsProfileProfile

Personality ProfilePersonality Profile most likely to join gangs most likely to join gangs: : Angry LonerAngry Loner –The quiet angry type of person is –The quiet angry type of person is usually socially isolated with few friends. 10-14 usually socially isolated with few friends. 10-14 years oldyears old

Poor relationships with family and friendsPoor relationships with family and friends Poor School Performance Poor School Performance Trouble with truancyTrouble with truancy Lack of alternative activitiesLack of alternative activities Poor problem solving skillsPoor problem solving skills

ViolenceViolence AvoidanceAvoidance

*The more risk factors a child has the more likely they *The more risk factors a child has the more likely they are to join a gangare to join a gang

We can help by focusing on where they are struggling We can help by focusing on where they are struggling

1414

At Risk KidsAt Risk KidsReasons They Join GangsReasons They Join Gangs

Identity and sense of belongingIdentity and sense of belonging Protection Power and PrestigeProtection Power and Prestige

Not be hurt in own neighborhoodNot be hurt in own neighborhood Family was in a gangFamily was in a gang Can rise in the ranksCan rise in the ranks

Fulfill basic needsFulfill basic needs moneymoney familyfamily cares for them, love themcares for them, love them

Fun and excitementFun and excitement

1515

Indicators Of Gang Indicators Of Gang InvolvementInvolvement

Admits they are in a gangAdmits they are in a gang They are hanging around known gang membersThey are hanging around known gang members Displaying graffiti on folders, desks, shoes, bedroom walls Displaying graffiti on folders, desks, shoes, bedroom walls

ect.ect. Drastic change in style-wearing Drastic change in style-wearing

wearing only one color, and avoiding anything with a certain color wearing only one color, and avoiding anything with a certain color on iton it

wearing one particular number, usually associated in some way wearing one particular number, usually associated in some way in all clothing in all clothing

slashes in eyebrowsslashes in eyebrows Hair –Shaved Marks representing numbers or symbolsHair –Shaved Marks representing numbers or symbols For school they will often hide their gang insignia on the inside of For school they will often hide their gang insignia on the inside of

a jacket, in a belt or the bottom of a shoe so they can flash their a jacket, in a belt or the bottom of a shoe so they can flash their color or sign on the slycolor or sign on the sly

Jewelry- can have hidden numbers or gang symbolsJewelry- can have hidden numbers or gang symbols Developing bad attitude toward authority figuresDeveloping bad attitude toward authority figures Violent Mood SwingsViolent Mood Swings

1616

Gang IntimidationGang Intimidation

Not all kids with risk factors want to join gangs Not all kids with risk factors want to join gangs but feel pressures and fears from gangs but feel pressures and fears from gangs around themaround them

Fear of facing pressures to join a gangFear of facing pressures to join a gang Friends are membersFriends are members Family are membersFamily are members Neighborhood is run by a gangNeighborhood is run by a gang

Fear of being associated with a gangFear of being associated with a gang Scared to go down the wrong streetsScared to go down the wrong streets Scared to wear the wrong colorsScared to wear the wrong colors Fear of facing gang pressure in schools –Fear of facing gang pressure in schools –

If gang intimidation is happening at schools If gang intimidation is happening at schools immediate action needs to be taken and talk immediate action needs to be taken and talk with principal counselor and teacher about the with principal counselor and teacher about the situation and with local gang officersituation and with local gang officer

1717

Levels of Gang Levels of Gang InvolvementInvolvement

There are three different levels of There are three different levels of gang involvement. From least to gang involvement. From least to most involved they are Peripheral, most involved they are Peripheral, Associate, and Hard Core. Associate, and Hard Core.

Each have their own identifying Each have their own identifying characteristics and ways to help characteristics and ways to help them. For further explanation on them. For further explanation on helping members see tactics for helping members see tactics for dealing with gang members dealing with gang members

1818

Levels Of Gang Levels Of Gang InvolvementInvolvementPeripheralPeripheral

Younger kids are known as Peripheral Kids who want Younger kids are known as Peripheral Kids who want to be known as gangsters ages 9-14. to be known as gangsters ages 9-14.

They have not been formally initiated into a gang, They have not been formally initiated into a gang, but they already have their loyalties to a gang.but they already have their loyalties to a gang.

They are more underground at school than in the They are more underground at school than in the communitycommunity

They are often called “wanna-bes” but in reality if They are often called “wanna-bes” but in reality if they stay on their current path they are “gonna-bes” they stay on their current path they are “gonna-bes”

They are willing to take risks because they want to be They are willing to take risks because they want to be known as hard core this can make them the most known as hard core this can make them the most dangerous as they are proving themselves and their dangerous as they are proving themselves and their loyalty. loyalty.

Hard core uses them to do illegal activityHard core uses them to do illegal activity Send them into schools for recruitmentSend them into schools for recruitment Send them on drug runsSend them on drug runs

Tactic for helping them: Prevention and InterventionTactic for helping them: Prevention and Intervention

1919

Levels of Gang Levels of Gang InvolvementInvolvement

AssociateAssociate Have been formally initiatedHave been formally initiated

jumped-in-gang: members beat up new jumped-in-gang: members beat up new members to initiate them often seen as a members to initiate them often seen as a fight and usually recordedfight and usually recorded

sexed in: female gang members with have sexed in: female gang members with have sex with several high ranking gang members sex with several high ranking gang members to be initiated to be initiated

Becoming more involved with illegal Becoming more involved with illegal activityactivity

Want to Move Up in Gang RanksWant to Move Up in Gang Ranks Gain PowerGain Power Gain RespectGain Respect Higher Cut of MoneyHigher Cut of Money

Tactic for helping them: InterventionTactic for helping them: Intervention

2020

Levels of Gang Levels of Gang InvolvementInvolvementHard CoreHard Core

Most Likely have been arrested Most Likely have been arrested multiple timesmultiple times

Have a high ranking in “brotherhood”Have a high ranking in “brotherhood” Lead over associates and peripheralLead over associates and peripheral Give the commands to newer membersGive the commands to newer members

Heavily into illegal activityHeavily into illegal activity Most likely have been shot at and had Most likely have been shot at and had

friends that have diedfriends that have died Tactic: Suppression THEN interventionTactic: Suppression THEN intervention

2121

Tactics of Dealing with Tactics of Dealing with GangsGangs

Prevention Prevention Building their support systemBuilding their support system Helping their self EsteemHelping their self Esteem Stopping them before they join Stopping them before they join

the gangthe gang Helping them in their risk areas Helping them in their risk areas Getting them involved in Getting them involved in

alternativesalternatives HobbiesHobbies SportsSports

2222

Tactics of Dealing with Tactics of Dealing with GangsGangs

InterventionIntervention Helping them leave the gangHelping them leave the gang

Breaking them of their gang habitsBreaking them of their gang habits not using gang signsnot using gang signs not using gang slangnot using gang slang not wearing gang colorsnot wearing gang colors

Helping them find alternative life-styleHelping them find alternative life-style FriendsFriends ActivitiesActivities HobbiesHobbies Support SystemsSupport Systems

2323

Tactics of Dealing With Tactics of Dealing With GangsGangs

SuppressionSuppression

Removing them from societyRemoving them from society Sending them to jailSending them to jail Moving them to another communityMoving them to another community

2424

How Can Our Bigs HelpHow Can Our Bigs Help

Children at risk of joining gangs Children at risk of joining gangs won’t do so if they have a good won’t do so if they have a good support system around them. support system around them. Our Bigs do a great job of doing Our Bigs do a great job of doing that for their “Littles” every day that for their “Littles” every day in the small things. The next in the small things. The next few slides give some pointers on few slides give some pointers on how they can specifically help at how they can specifically help at risk kids stay out of gangsrisk kids stay out of gangs

2525

How Can Our Bigs Help?How Can Our Bigs Help?

Consistency is the key to keeping children Consistency is the key to keeping children out of gangs out of gangs Adults often feel uncomfortable Adults often feel uncomfortable discussing sensitive issues such as gangs and discussing sensitive issues such as gangs and violence with young people. However, it is violence with young people. However, it is important that adults talk frankly and openly important that adults talk frankly and openly with youth about these matters. The with youth about these matters. The significance of anti-gang messaging increases significance of anti-gang messaging increases when it comes from a person who has invested when it comes from a person who has invested significant time and energy in building a significant time and energy in building a relationship with the youthrelationship with the youth

Youth need to hear a consistent message Youth need to hear a consistent message delivered by adults with whom they have an delivered by adults with whom they have an existing relationship. The effectiveness of the existing relationship. The effectiveness of the discussion is increased by repetition and by discussion is increased by repetition and by continuity in the relationship with the adult. continuity in the relationship with the adult.

2626

How Can Our Bigs Help? How Can Our Bigs Help? (cont.)(cont.)

Build the message by starting at the youth’s level of Build the message by starting at the youth’s level of understanding. What are they aware of? It is important understanding. What are they aware of? It is important to determine the level at which discussion should begin to to determine the level at which discussion should begin to avoid alarming young people who may be less aware of avoid alarming young people who may be less aware of gangs or downplaying a more serious issue impacting gangs or downplaying a more serious issue impacting youth. Adults should listen more than they talk. The youth. Adults should listen more than they talk. The more an adult listens to what the youth has to say the more an adult listens to what the youth has to say the more open the discussion will become. more open the discussion will become.

Emphasize the negative effects of gang involvement on Emphasize the negative effects of gang involvement on youth, their families, friends, schools, and communities. youth, their families, friends, schools, and communities. Effects of joining a gang may include increased risk of Effects of joining a gang may include increased risk of injury to one’s self or family members/friends, difficulties injury to one’s self or family members/friends, difficulties in school, pressure to commit criminal acts, and in school, pressure to commit criminal acts, and consequences of committing criminal acts –imprisonment, consequences of committing criminal acts –imprisonment, lack of future job opportunities, harming others.lack of future job opportunities, harming others.

2727


Accentuate that their choices matter because their Accentuate that their choices matter because their happiness and well-being are important to the people who happiness and well-being are important to the people who care about them. Stress to youth that they are care about them. Stress to youth that they are responsible for their own choices. Help youth see the responsible for their own choices. Help youth see the relationship between their choices and their relationship between their choices and their circumstances.circumstances.

Take a strong no tolerance stand against gangs and Take a strong no tolerance stand against gangs and violence. Youth should not be allowed to glorify gang violence. Youth should not be allowed to glorify gang activity, dress in gang style clothing or use gang related activity, dress in gang style clothing or use gang related slang or insults during activities. Impress that by doing so slang or insults during activities. Impress that by doing so they are disrespecting their friends & family and they are disrespecting their friends & family and endangering themselves and others.endangering themselves and others.

Remain accessible and involved with youth. Long term Remain accessible and involved with youth. Long term caring relationships with supportive adults provide youth caring relationships with supportive adults provide youth with an incentive and a support network to stay out of with an incentive and a support network to stay out of gangs.gangs.

2828


Try to incorporate discussions about positive life choices into Try to incorporate discussions about positive life choices into everyday conversations. Discussing gangs only once with everyday conversations. Discussing gangs only once with youth does not seem to have any lasting effect.youth does not seem to have any lasting effect.

Help youth to effectively process the complex and conflicting Help youth to effectively process the complex and conflicting messages about gangs and violence that they see in movies messages about gangs and violence that they see in movies media music and in the community. media music and in the community.

Highlight the youth’s good qualities. Point out positive Highlight the youth’s good qualities. Point out positive actions that you observe. Many youth who are already actions that you observe. Many youth who are already involved in gangs or delinquency receive a lot of negative involved in gangs or delinquency receive a lot of negative feedback everyday. Show them their special attributes and feedback everyday. Show them their special attributes and skills, and encourage efforts to make good decisions. Be skills, and encourage efforts to make good decisions. Be specific with the praise rather than general. specific with the praise rather than general.

Help them build confidence in school and Academic Help them build confidence in school and Academic PerformancePerformance

2929

Building a Child’s Building a Child’s Resources and Problem Resources and Problem

Solving SkillsSolving SkillsChildren at risk usually need extra Children at risk usually need extra

help with learning how to solve help with learning how to solve problems and what resources are problems and what resources are available to them. You can help available to them. You can help them build these. The next few them build these. The next few slides will give examples of how to slides will give examples of how to do so broken out by age categorydo so broken out by age category

3030


Solving SkillsSolving Skills5-7 Year Olds5-7 Year Olds

Enjoy organized games and are very concerned Enjoy organized games and are very concerned about following rules. Play games with them about following rules. Play games with them that involve figuring things out and being that involve figuring things out and being creativecreative

Are very imaginative and involved in fantasy Are very imaginative and involved in fantasy playing. Create fantasy problems and have playing. Create fantasy problems and have them use their imagination to figure them out them use their imagination to figure them out

Are self-assertive, aggressive, boastful, want to Are self-assertive, aggressive, boastful, want to be first, and are less cooperative than younger be first, and are less cooperative than younger children. Help them see how to cooperate and children. Help them see how to cooperate and build healthy friendships. build healthy friendships.

Learn best through active participation, let them Learn best through active participation, let them do things hands on instead of lecturing to themdo things hands on instead of lecturing to them

3131



Can be very competitive. Help them learn Can be very competitive. Help them learn what it means to compromise and cooperate. what it means to compromise and cooperate.

Being accepted by friends becomes quite Being accepted by friends becomes quite important. Help them learn what it means to important. Help them learn what it means to be a good friend and how to choose good be a good friend and how to choose good friendsfriends

Team games become popular. If they want, Team games become popular. If they want, help them sign up for a local kids sports teams help them sign up for a local kids sports teams

Worshipping heroes, TV stars, and sports Worshipping heroes, TV stars, and sports figures is common. Make sure they are not figures is common. Make sure they are not idolizing the wrong type of people idolizing the wrong type of people

3232



Cliques start to develop outside of school. Make sure they Cliques start to develop outside of school. Make sure they are choosing a group of friends that won’t get them in are choosing a group of friends that won’t get them in troubletrouble

Friends set the general rule of behavior. If child is acting out Friends set the general rule of behavior. If child is acting out find out reasons behind them find out reasons behind them

Feel a real need to conform. They dress and behave alike in Feel a real need to conform. They dress and behave alike in order to “belong.” Make sure they are not emulating dress order to “belong.” Make sure they are not emulating dress and actions of local gangsand actions of local gangs

Are very concerned about what others say and think of Are very concerned about what others say and think of them. Help them see that their self esteem is not them. Help them see that their self esteem is not dependent on other peopledependent on other people

Have a tendency to manipulate others (“Mary’s mother says Have a tendency to manipulate others (“Mary’s mother says she can go. Why can’t I?”). Don’t give into manipulation she can go. Why can’t I?”). Don’t give into manipulation and hold firm to boundariesand hold firm to boundaries

Interested in earning own money. Help them get a job Interested in earning own money. Help them get a job babysitting or doing a paper route or something suited to babysitting or doing a paper route or something suited to their skills and agetheir skills and age

3333


Solving SkillsSolving Skills14-16 Year Old14-16 Year Old

Going to extremes, emotional instability. Be Going to extremes, emotional instability. Be supportive of them even when they are having a supportive of them even when they are having a teen crisis and make sure they know you are teen crisis and make sure they know you are there for them not matter what the problem.there for them not matter what the problem.

““know-it-all” attitude. Don’t solve their problems know-it-all” attitude. Don’t solve their problems for them, but give them the tools to help them for them, but give them the tools to help them solve it themselvessolve it themselves

Fear of ridicule and of being unpopular. Help Fear of ridicule and of being unpopular. Help them see that good friends are more important them see that good friends are more important than always having the popular friendsthan always having the popular friends

Strong identification with an admired adult. Strong identification with an admired adult. Make sure they are admiring the right type of Make sure they are admiring the right type of adultadult

3434

What To Do If Gang What To Do If Gang Involvement is FearedInvolvement is Feared

If you are matched with a child that is If you are matched with a child that is showing some warning signs of showing some warning signs of being involved with a gang that being involved with a gang that doesn’t mean all is lost. doesn’t mean all is lost.

If they are involved with a gang they If they are involved with a gang they need you now more than ever to be need you now more than ever to be an example and a resource for thean example and a resource for the

We have steps in place to help you talk We have steps in place to help you talk with them and and still support themwith them and and still support them

3535

What To Do If Gang What To Do If Gang Involvement is FearedInvolvement is Feared

How To Talk To Them:How To Talk To Them: Ask Questions –Not Yes and No Ask Questions –Not Yes and No

questions, make them open-ended questions, make them open-ended Be Patient –Don’t Pressure, allow time, Be Patient –Don’t Pressure, allow time,

don’t interruptdon’t interrupt Listen Totally –Listen with your whole Listen Totally –Listen with your whole

body body Be Aware- Look for hints that they are Be Aware- Look for hints that they are

opening up to you totallyopening up to you totally Seek Approval- EchoSeek Approval- Echo Do not use gang nick-namesDo not use gang nick-names

3636

What To Do if Gang What To Do if Gang Involvement is FearedInvolvement is Feared

Your Match Support Specialist will help asses risk of Your Match Support Specialist will help asses risk of meeting with Little based on level of child’s gang meeting with Little based on level of child’s gang involvementinvolvement

Child’s Relationship with VolunteerChild’s Relationship with Volunteer Child’s level of aggressionChild’s level of aggression Child’s neighborhoodChild’s neighborhood Friends constantly hanging out with childFriends constantly hanging out with child

Even if meeting in person is not possible we still Even if meeting in person is not possible we still encourage you to maintain some form of contact encourage you to maintain some form of contact

LettersLetters PhonePhone E-mailE-mail

Stay focused on their strengths and viewing them as an Stay focused on their strengths and viewing them as an individualindividual

The Match Support Specialist, Big, and parent should The Match Support Specialist, Big, and parent should work together to help Little get involved in an work together to help Little get involved in an intervention programintervention program

3737

Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

Your Match Support SpecialistYour Match Support Specialist Project 180 –Gang Intervention Project 180 –Gang Intervention Kenny Dorrell Kenny Dorrell

[email protected], 801-654-0446, 801-654-0446 Talking with Kids about violence Talking with Kids about violence

http://www.talkwithkids.org/violence.html G.R.E.A.T. Program G.R.E.A.T. Program www.great-online.org National Crime Prevention Council: Teens, Crime, National Crime Prevention Council: Teens, Crime,

and the Community and the Community www.ncpc.org/tcc National Gang Center National Gang Center www.irr.com/nygc Latin American Youth Center Latin American Youth Center www.layc-dc.org National Youth Violence Prevention Resource National Youth Violence Prevention Resource

Center Center www.safeyou.org

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.great-online.org/

http://www.ncpc.org/tcc

http://www.irr.com/nygc

3838

Thank You For Taking Thank You For Taking An Interest In Today’s An Interest In Today’s

YouthYouth

Documents

Children and Gangs info Training