There are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of a young person becoming involved in criminal / gang-related activity. 

While there is no way to predict a high probability of involvement, usually a combination of multiple factors over time can make children and youth more vulnerable towards criminal / gang-related activity. 

Risk can come from multiple domains including Individual, Family, School, Peer, and Community. 

Learn more about minimizing your child's risk factors by building protective factors. 

Individual:

• Experience of victimization / trauma   

• Anti-social behaviour   

• Perpetrator of violence   

• Mental health issues   

• Early history of violence (ie. aggression, impulsivity)  

• History of negative police contact   

• Possessing weapons  

• Sudden change in behaviour  

• Driving a rental car  

• Unexplained cash or material items 

Family:

• Minimal parental supervision

• Weakened parent-child connection 

• Lack of family involvement in child's life

• Violence in the home 

• Substance abuse in the home 

• Family members involved in gang activity 

• Inconsistent or inappropriate discipline 

• Family is in a tough financial situation

School / Peer / Community:

• Associating with negative peers

• Experiencing peer rejection and social alienation  

• Lack of school connection   

• School suspension/absenteeism   

• Lack of positive adult role models   

• Living in a high-risk neighbourhood  

• Lack of connection to cultural identity

If you know a child who is exhibiting any of the above risk factors, consider making a referral to the Children and Youth At-Risk Table (CHART). CHART is a network of Surrey-based service providers that meet weekly to implement tailored intervention plans in order to support at-risk young people and their families.