I believe juveniles join gangs for many different reasons. A gang can make a child feel secure and like they have a real family. It can give them a prestigious feel or ranking. Many youth join for fun, excitement, protection, and/or money. Children who come from poverty get involved selling drugs for profit. "Social, economic, and cultural forces push many adolescents in the direction of gangs" (Bilchik 1998). In certain places children are recruited in a strongly focused way. They don't think they have an option. Some are the children of a member and are considered born in. .
The psychological profile of a gang member is low self-esteem, being antisocial, aggressive, impulsive, and a risk-seeker. Gangs deal their actions by neutralizing punishments. Some children want to find their identity in joining a gang. It also helps some who have difficulty with social adjustment. Many gang members are from dysfunctional or poverty stricken families. Most are trying to hide feelings of not being good enough, anger, and insecurities. .
Parents can do things to help assure their children do not join gangs. They can discuss the negative outcomes of gangs and drugs with their children which should include jail or death. Parents can make strict rules and keep close accounts of their children. They need to watch for bad behavior, gang lingo, tattoos, violence, and lots of money, weapons, or changes in friends. Get their children in to sports, church, or other community group activities. Most towns have gang task forces and juvenile officers that parents can call to ask for help if they think their child is involved with a gang. Also a mental health counselor can do an evaluation and if necessary treat problems causing the feeling of needing to join a gang. Parents shouldn't leave out any details of why they think their child is involved with a gang because it can only hurt them worse. The most important thing they can do is make sure their child knows they love them and support them.
