Florida Gang Reduction Strategy 2008 - 2012

ability to act independently (not easily succumb
to peer pressure), and a sense of control over
one’s environment. Ability for empathy, skills
in conflict resolution and critical thinking are
additional characteristics that build resiliency to
risk behaviors in youth. These critically important
protective factors are fostered through
other areas of influence in a youth’s life such as
family, schools and communities.
Family Risk and Protective Factors
The family is the first line of defense in identifying
the signs of gang activity. Family dysfunction
and lack of parental guidance can play a
significant role in increasing the risk of youth
joining a criminal gang. The guidance of strong
family role models can decrease the chances of
a young person engaging in criminal gang activities.
The individual risks can be reduced with
family guidance from parents, grandparents,
other respected and responsible family members
or legal guardians who reinforce the belief
that joining a gang is not a viable option.
A household that fosters a permissive attitude
toward alcohol, drugs and violence is more
likely to lead to youth gang activity. An important
factor in positively nurturing children has
been determined to be the number of times a
week the child spends quality time interacting
with the family. The correlation is one to one.
The more times per week, the better the overall
behavior of the youth; the fewer times, the
worse the behavior of the youth. 17
Successful preventive programs will seek to
engage and inform families of the dangers of
criminal gang activity. Information and resource
guides will be made available through
several different prevention organizations. The
literature provided to families will support a
variety of practices that can assist their efforts
in preventing gang involvement. Without a
positive family role model, the remaining risk
factors will only be compounded, making prevention
an increasingly arduous task.
Background: Extent of the Problem
What Parents Can Do to Prevent
Gang Involvement
• Spend quality time with
your child
• Get involved in your
child's school activities
• Be a positive role model
and set the right
example
• Know your child's
friends and their
families
• Encourage good study
habits
• Teach your child how to
cope with peer pressure
• Help your child develop
good conflict/resolution
skills (See
www .safeyouth.org/scri
pts/teens/conflict.asp)
• Encourage your child to
participate in positive
afterschool activities
with adult supervision
(recreation centers,
organized sports, youth
groups)
• Take action in your
neighborhood (create a
neighborhood alliance,
report and remove
graffiti)
• Talk with your child
about the dangers and
consequences of gang
involvement. Let your
child know that you
don't want to see him or
her hurt or arrested.
Explain to your child that
he or she should NOT:
* Associate with gang
members
* Attend parties or
social events
sponsored by gangs
* Use hand signs,
symbols, or language
that is meaningful to
gangs
* Wear clothing,
including specific
colors, which may
have meaning to
gangs in your area
To obtain details on COPS programs, call the
COPS Office Response Center at 800.421.6770
www.cops.usdoj.gov www.fbi.gov www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org
School Risk and Protective Factors
A student’s performance and behavior in school, as
well as the school’s effectiveness in engaging, addressing
and providing for the needs of their students,
are important factors in determining school
risk. A student who has a low-level of academic
success or is classified as having a learning disability
Florida Gang Reduction Strategy 5