Help for Moms Whose Child Is in a Gang

If your child is in a gang, there are several sources of help for you. First, you should discuss the issue with your child, as difficult as it may be. Ideally, this will allow you to formulate a plan that ensures your child's safety. However, if this isn't possible, talking to trained professionals can offer you support and the means to help your gang-involved child.

  1. Approach Your Child

    • If you suspect your child is in a gang, first try talking to him and really listen to his fears and worries. The Montreal Police Service recommends encouraging your child to learn about intimidation and bullying techniques gangs employ and how he can avoid these on his own. Make sure you don't minimize his concerns. For example, your child may feel that a gang offers him the security and protection he needs. If this conversation isn't successful, turning to trained professionals is the next option.

    Officer of Justice Programs

    • If you feel that speaking to your child about his gang involvement hasn't resolved the issue, one source of help is the United States Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Program. Employees in this program have created the National Gang Center, a comprehensive program that deals specifically with gang involvement. One of its channels is the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention, a website that offers concerned family and friends resources such as articles, videos and podcasts that moms can use as a source of help.

    National Gang Center

    • If moms feel more comfortable reading about help online instead of talking to a professional face-to-face, the National Gang Center offers a lot of advice. Along with training, conferences and publications, the NGC features a quarterly newsletter with information on talking to your child about gang involvement and how to get out and stay out of a gang. The website also features a "Frequently Asked Questions" section where you can browse common questions parents, family members and friends may have about a person's gang activities.

    AACAP

    • The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry's website offers parents a detailed section called "Children and Gangs." In this section, you'll find common risk factors, how to decrease them and signs that your child belongs to a gang. Along with recommending you approach your child, the AACAP also advises talking to a trained mental health professional and accessing agencies in your community for help. At the bottom of the page, there are links to information pages on related issues that moms may find helpful.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Questions Parents Should Ask When Choosing a Parochial School
      Some parents turn to parochial schools if theyre unhappy with the public school system in the area or if their child is struggling in the public classroom setting. Other parents choose such schools strictly because of religious beliefs. A parochial s
    • How to Use Transitions for Managing ADHD
      Any toddler or preschooler who hears, “You have three more minutes until clean up time,” may be a bit upset that play time is over. However, to a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, this advance warning – a
    • Are sagging breasts inevitable after breast-feeding?
      Research has shown that breast-feeding doesnt negatively affect breast shape or volume. During pregnancy, the ligaments that support your breasts might stretch as your breasts get fuller and heavier. This stretching might contribute to sagging breast