Gangs: you and your child

This eight-page booklet details practical steps parents and carers can take if they suspect their child may be involved with gangs and who to contact for help and support. It was developed with the help of the Association of Chief Police Officers, local authorities, parenting organisations like the Family and Parenting Institute and community groups such as Mothers Against Violence.>

Children and young people face all sorts of pressures and it may be that your child is feeling pressure to follow friends who may be in a gang.

You can help your child make the right choice. If there is one person your son or daughter will listen to, it’s probably you. By recognising the signs and seeking help, you could be making a positive step towards changing the course of your child’s life.

Many young people will not recognise themselves to be in a gang, but in a group of friends – and most groups of young people do not commit crime. Being in a gang is not illegal, it is only the criminal offences committed that are illegal

Click here to download Gangs: You and Your Child here (PDF format)