Though fatherhood was no panacea, becoming a father did act as an important turning point toward desistance and motivator for change for some. Fatherhood initiated important subjective and affective transformations that led to changes in outlook. However, the subjective changes were not seen as sufficient unless accompanied by two additional features: (1) changes in the amount of time spent on the streets, and (2) an ability to support oneself or one's family with legal income. Because so much research on gangs has focused on criminal involvement, it is difficult to image life beyond the gang context, such as what role does parenthood play in gang life, if any? Drawing on the experiences of 91 gang members in San Francisco who became fathers, this study explored the meaning of fatherhood for them and the role it played in decisions to persist or desist in gang life and associated risky behaviors. Fatherhood was examined as a key turning point in these young men's lives. In addition, some of the structural and subjective factors that aid or hinder these efforts were examined. Policy implications are presented and discussed. References