Gang Alternatives Program (GAP)

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Why People Join

Is My Child in a Gang?

What Can I Do?

What Can I Do?

Parents, community members and educators can make a difference
iin the war against gang culture.

PARENTS and CAREGIVERS:

Talk to your child about gangs as soon as they begin kindergarten - gangs have recruited children as young as six years old, it's never too early to talk about gangs.

Set a clear expectation for your household - tell your children and teens that you do not want them to act like a gang member, join a gang, attend gang parties/events, or be gang affiliated - EVER.

Get to know your child’s friends and their families, including first and last names and contact information - no nicknames, no mystery addresses.

Tell your kids to avoid dressing in colors that may have meaning to gangs in your area.

Encourage your child to participate in positive activities, such as school-related clubs, sports, or afterschool programs at the YMCA or Boys and Girls Clubs.

Talk to kids about peer pressure and ways to avoid it

Praise your child often - point out when they make good choices.

Set the example - be a positive role model, even if you've made risky choices in the past, talk about how you've learned from them.

Talk with your children, listen to what they have to say, and spend quality time together.

Put a high value on education and help your child set goals for his or her future - whether it's college or a trade career, they need to have a plan.

Point out positive role models to your children, and give them a protective circle of adults that they can talk with.

Visit our youth portal and explore My Gangfree Life® with your child - participate in the online activities with them.

Read, then sign, the Gangfree Pledge with your child. Display it somewhere special in your home.

Check out our Gangfree programs, designed to help parents and kids stay on the right path.

If your child admits to being in a gang, click here.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS:

Report crime and gang activity immediately to the police.
Report gang graffiti and illegal dumping.
Start a neighborhood watch program.
Learn about the LAPDs Gang Injunction program.

EDUCATORS:

Report the appearance of gang symbols or graffiti on school property (books, desks, walls) to school authorities.
Identify kids who have changed behaviors and friends, and communicate with parents.
Request more information about bringing our Gang Education Programs to your school.

Take the Gangfree Pledge! Download, discuss, and sign it with a child today.

Click here to view the pledge.

Visit our Resources
page for more information about gang prevention and local services.

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