Even though some youths involved in gangs may need to be incarcerated for their own safety, as well as the community’s safety, a large number of youths can be prevented from joining gangs; in addition those who have already joined can become successful and productive members of society with appropriate and relevant interventions. Howell’s Gang Development Model, specifically Howell’s risk factors, are utilized in the beginning of this article to introduce how the nurturing model can be used with gang members and their biological family. These risk factors include individual, peer group, community, family, and school. The beginning development of deviant behavior patterns is usually inappropriate conduct problems and these usually begin in the home environment. The major factors that can influence a child’s decision to join or not join a gang are lack of appropriate parental skills and environmental factors. The nurturing practice model promotes the philosophy of caring for self, family, children, substitute parents, and the community. It is a family model and is utilized in the broader sense of community. This model helps youngsters and families and communities develop life opportunity and successful outcomes. Nurturing can be used as a primary prevention technique as well as an intervention strategy. A nurturing approach is a collaborative effort ensuring a successful outcome for the gang member, family, and the neighborhood. References