Risk Factors That Affect Adolescents in or on the Periphery of Gangs

For many of today’s teens/pre-teens, gangs represent the way in which adolescent frustration, searching, and rebellion is expressed. Factors which contribute to this inclination include their family situation, school failures, lack of self esteem, the need to feel protected, lack of economic prospects, peer pressure, family history of gang membership, lack of role models, and the glamour and excitement they perceive the gang affiliation to have. Following are some risk factors detailed:

SCHOOL CLIMATE RISK FACTORS:

• Negative school experiences and success; academic failure, truancy, and suspension.
• Availability of drugs.
• Lack of student involvement.
• Frequent transitions between schools.
• Lack of positive role models.
• Inconsistently enforced discipline/drug policies.

FAMILY RISK FACTORS:

• Alcohol/drug/gang involved parents.
• Low level of quality time/involvement.
• Poor communication/parenting style.
• Low achievement expectations.
• Lack of family rituals/ceremonies.
• Frequent and high impact changes.
• High levels of stress/conflict/violence.

PEER RISK FACTORS:

Early antisocial/withdrawn behaviors that result in:

• Lack of friends.
• Favorable attitudes toward drugs/gangs.
• Early interest in /use of drugs.
• Greater influence of friends than parents.
• Lack of sense of future.

COMMUNITY RISK FACTORS:

• Economic and social deprivation.
• Neighborhood disorganization.
• Lack of employment opportunities.
• Easy availability of drugs.
• Norms and laws favoring drugs/alcohol.
• Exposure acceptance of violence.
• Availability of firearms.

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