Resources for Dealing with Gangs, Gun Violence and Trauma

DPS is actively working with community members, school leaders and city officials to support the needs of our neighborhoods. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of each of our students—your children.

Adults can often feel uncomfortable discussing sensitive issues like gangs and violence with young people. However, if young people are dealing with gangs in their school or community, they need opportunities to talk candidly about these issues with trusted adults. The significance of an anti-gang message increases when it comes from a person who has a caring relationship with the young person.

Some signs that may indicate gang involvement include:

• Shirts, hats, and other clothing in matching colors or with matching logos and symbols. Also check for insignia on jewelry, belts, shoelaces, or tattoos.
• Gang graffiti on notebooks, clothing and other personal belongings. Watch for things written in Old English-style letters or in hard-to-decipher handwriting.
• Newly acquired and unexplained money or expensive possessions that are displayed, worn, or shared with peers.
• Carrying or showing off a gun, knife, or other weapon.
• Changes in the student’s behavior and lifestyle, such as:
  • Poor or failing grades in school
  • A hostile or defiant attitude
  • Secrecy about activities or time away from home
  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Involvement in illegal activities or trouble with law enforcement

• Be sensitive to the child’s level of understanding. What is he/she aware of? What is he/she seeing in the neighborhood and at school?
• Take a strong, no-tolerance stand against gangs and violence. Do not allow your child to glorify gangs, dress in gang-style clothing, or use gang-related slang or insults.
• Talk about the negative effects of gang membership on young people, their families, friends, schools and communities.
• Have everyday discussions with your child about positive life choices.
• Emphasize to young people that their choices matter because their happiness and well-being are important not only to themselves but to the people who care about them.
• Emphasize your child’s positive qualities and give them positive feedback regularly.
• Finally, please understand that consistency is key. Young people need to hear consistent messages about gangs delivered by the adults they know and trust: family members, teachers, coaches, neighbors, etc. Remain accessible and involved with these young people. These long-term, caring relationships with adults can provide them incentives and a support network to stay out of gangs.

A Parent’s Quick Reference Card: Recognizing and Preventing Gang Involvement

from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)

Parents’ Guide to Gangs

from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention