One aim of the report is to promote better record keeping by law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, with an emphasis on the safety of police, court, and correctional officers. Another aim is to encourage the development and implementation of proactive intervention programs to keep young girls out of gangs before the numbers overwhelm resources. A third aim of this report is to make parents and educators aware of the problems that gangs present for the girls with whom they interact and make employers aware of the unique problems posed by girls in gangs. A final aim of the report is to increase the study and research on girls in gangs. The Chicago Crime Commission estimates that, of the approximately 100,000 gang members in Chicago, there are between 16,000 and 20,000 female gang members and female gang associates, many of whom have yet to be documented by law enforcement. Many are hardcore gang members. Others just hang out with the gang. The rest fall somewhere in between. Hardcore gang girls are willing and able to do anything the male gang members do, and often they will do more in an effort to prove themselves. Girl gang members are loyal to and dependent on the gang; they soothe egos, arouse jealousy and passion, and provide encouragement and support to other gang members. There is no one single factor that leads to gang involvement of girls; a multiplicity of social conditions can make gang membership almost inevitable for some girls. This report offers conclusions and recommendations that address the need for attention and resources directed toward girls. It provides a list of resources where parents, community, or gang girls themselves can turn for help. 62 references