Question

Most youths who join gangs have already been involved in delinquency and drug use. Once in the gang, they are quite likely to become more actively involved in delinquency, drug use, and violence—and they are more likely to be victimized themselves. Their problems do not end here. They are at greater risk of arrest, juvenile court referral, detention, confinement in a juvenile correctional facility, and, later, imprisonment.

Gang involvement dramatically alters youngsters’ life chances—particularly if they remain active in the gang for several years. . . . [It brings] disorder to the life course in a cascading series of difficulties, including school dropout, early pregnancy or early impregnation, teen motherhood, and unstable employment.

–“The Impact of Gangs on Communities,”
James C. Howell

What are the effects of gang involvement on young people? Check all that apply.

increased likelihood of committing a crime
decreased likelihood of drug use
increased likelihood of being a victim of a crime
increased likelihood of dropping out of school
increased likelihood of being involved with an unplanned pregnancy
increased likelihood of stable employment
increased likelihood of incarceration

Answer 1

- increased likelihood of committing a crime — Yes
- decreased likelihood of drug use — No
- increased likelihood of being a victim of a crime — Yes
- increased likelihood of dropping out of school — Yes
- increased likelihood of being involved with an unplanned pregnancy — Yes
- increased likelihood of stable employment — No
- increased likelihood of incarceration — Yes