Gangs and Adolescents at Risk

January 6, 2014

Gabriel Rivera, a life coach living in New York City, spoke with Lon Woodbury today on LA TALK Radio's "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens", and shared about his personal experiences as a former gang member in Southern California, why he initially joined a gang, what he thought he was getting from being a member in a gang and eventually, why he left. Gabriel also discussed how gangs are here to stay, what parents can do to help their children from getting involved in gangs and the warning signs to watch for.

"Gangs are a fertile ground for young men and (young women) looking to belong and a place to find their identity and respect. Often at a time when an adolescent is coming of age or at puberty, these young men are looking for autonomy and are willing to go through an initiation (being jumped in- an equivalent to a rite of passage) to have that sense of bonding they get in joining a gang. There is also the allure of money, power and prestige in belonging to a gang. The young people get a conflict of values, of building a strong work ethic when they see that they can get what they want by being in a gang. This allure often times draws the youth into the 'criminal element' of the gang" shared Gabriel. "A gang is like an onion- layer upon layer and the more you know (within the gang and of their criminal activities- from drug trafficking to drive by shootings) the more you owe." Gangs today are more sophisticated, they are very organized and tend to be more quiet, to avoid attention to themselves and their activities. "They have to because there is a lot of investment at stake." Gab added. They also are always recruiting, often in other areas and some sort of gang activity could be anywhere in the country Gab explained. So even when parents don't live in the inner city, gangs could be recruiting their children.

"It is very hard to get out of a gang�you have to be jumped out to leave. And you will get a harder beating than when you were first initiated depending on how involved you were within the gang. There is a code of silence for gang members and there is no 'witness protection' for those leaving a gang."

For parents that are concerned that their child is in a gang or trying to join a gang, there are some signs to be aware of, but Gabriel warned that the first thing they should do is "push pause" (don't rush in) but rather step back and observe their child. Have they changed friends or are hanging out with questionable new peers? Is there a drastic change in the clothing they are wearing? Is there moodiness or a sense of secretness their child is exhibiting? Phones are a biggy- is there intensive texting, especially at night by your child? And is there defiance to authority? If so, be a parent- check with the child's school and teachers to see how they are doing and come up with a plan for your family, especially if there are younger siblings in the home. Talk about the demands/plans for your family- present them and let your child know that if they are unwilling to talk to you about what is going on, then there are some steps you will be taking to ensure the personal safety to your family and them. Parents need to hold the line and if need be, an intervention needs to take place.

To listen to the full interview, go to Gangs and Adolescents at Risk on LATalkRadio.
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Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports, Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.

Gabriel Rivera lives in New York City and works as a life coach to adolescents and young adults. He was a gang member in Southern California and has worked with struggling adolescents and young adults for 35 years, including counseling gang members and others with substance abuse problems and with other problems. He has published several articles and founded a wilderness program and an adolescent care facility in Oregon.

We are excited to announce that we have several openings for on-air sponsorship during our show on LA TALK Radio: Parent Choices for Struggling Teens. If you are interested in reserving some air time to promote your school, program or services, contact Kristie Campbell at kristie@woodbury.com or 208-267-5550

If you know somebody (including yourself) who would make a good guest on our show and might be interested,

Contact Lon at lonwoodbury@gmail.com or 208-267-5550

Upcoming shows:

Jan. 13, Michelle Rose Gilman, Founder of Fusion Academy, Revolutionizing Education: What a School Can Be
Jan. 20, Sam Dahlin, Owner and Clinical Director of Crossroads Academy, Healing Through Natural Highs
Jan. 27, David LePere, Ex. Dir., Cherokee Creek Boys School, Boys in School

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Part 1 - The Introduction to the Parent Empowerment Handbook

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Part 3 - Wilderness Therapy and Outdoor Education