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Gang Involvement Among Youth And The Criminal Justice System

Decent Essays

Gang involvement among youth is a growing concern for communities as well as the criminal justice system. There are several complex reasons youth become involved with gangs (Merrin, Hong, & Espelage, 2015). The use of illegal drugs and alcohol have been linked to predispose youth to illegal actions as well as violent crime, consequently, this activity can easily guide a youth into a gang life. Further reports state gangs are formed within communities that are unsafe and disadvantaged. A need for acceptance, the longing for belonging, as well as the sense of family, is among the leading reasons that youth join gangs. Youth who do not have a sense of fairness in school, moreover, lack support from teachers and other adults also have an increased

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