Adult involvement and intervention can significantly reduce gang activities and gang-related violence. Establishing parent patrols that escort children to and from school are important in preventing gang violence. Many high schools, junior highs, and elementary schools encourage parents to visit the school and provide supervision for playgrounds, hallways, restrooms, and other trouble areas. Parents must learn the signs of gang involvement. Spending time with children, listening and being good role models are effective in preventing gang involvement.

Parents who suspect gang activity must take steps to intervene. The following are some things you can do:

INCREASE AWARENESS - Increase your awareness of your child's belongings, clothes, and room. Look for gang graffiti or new items that you have not purchased and the child could not afford.

KNOW YOUR CHILD - Know who your child's friends are and where they gather together such as a mall, stores, or fast food restaurants. Discourage your child from associating with gang members. If your child chooses friends that are mostly from gangs, then your child will probably become involved. Can you name at least three of your child's friends

STOP DENIAL - Be willing to admit to factors that could contribute to gang involvement. Be willing to take steps to correct problems in the family and at school

MAKE QUALITY TIME - Spend quality time talking to your child. Discuss the consequences of being in a gang. Have frequent, positive talks with your child. By frequently talking with them, not condemning, it allows your child to feel they can discuss any topic with you. Also, by spending quality time with your child they know you love them.

OCCUPY YOUR CHILD'S TIME - Give them responsibilities at home. Get them involved in after school activities, sports, city parks and recreation, or church activities. Plan activities that the whole family can enjoy. Spend time with your child. Give them attention.

BECOME PRO-ACTIVE - Talk to school officials and counselors. Ask if they are aware of any gang-related problems at school. Become involved in your child's activities. Volunteer at school and in the community. Ask yourself how can I contribute?

GET INFORMED - Contact your local law enforcemnt agency. They may have a crime prevention or gang specialist who can give you up-to-date information.

CALL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS - Many have experience with gang problems and can give you valuable guidance.

SPEAK TO RELIGIOUS LEADERS - They may know programs that help neighborhood children stay out of gangs.

STOP GRAFFITI - Report and immediately remove any graffiti in your neighborhood or local school grounds.

TAKE ACTION - This is the most important thing you can do. Don't ignore the signs of gang activity. Be a good example by becoming an active, not a passive parent.

Reprinted from Winning the War against Gangs, compliments of the International Drug Education Association. Permission to reprint granted by L. A. W. Publications. Winning the War against Gangs