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. . . .

Gang involvement dramatically alters youngsters’ life chances—particularly if they remain active in the gang for several years. . . . The gang acts as “a powerful social network” in constraining the behavior of members, limiting access to prosocial networks, and cutting individuals off from conventional pursuits. These
effects . . . bring 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

Which are risk factors for gang involvement? Check all that apply.

being interested in school
using drugs
having a network of friends and family
skipping school
being arrested

Answer 1

Using drugs — Yes
Skipping school — Yes
Being arrested — Yes

Being interested in school and having a network of friends and family are generally protective (not risk) factors. The passage notes prior delinquency/drug use, truancy/school dropout, and arrests as risk-related precursors to gang involvement.