The book discusses why young people find gangs appealing; describes indicators of a young person's involvement with a gang; discusses family risk characteristics; examines the types and characteristics of gangs that are getting young people's attention; and sets forth the dangers of the gang lifestyle. The book specifically discusses Southeast Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Skinhead gangs. Included in the discussions of these and other gangs are: history; profile; leadership and structure; interaction with other gangs; weapons; turf; mind set; identifiers such as hand signs and graffiti; females; houses and apartments; school; taggers and crews; crimes; and the future of the gang. A chapter on responding to the problem discusses how to get a gang house out of a neighborhood, how to become involved in antigang efforts, and what schools, youth service centers and parents can do to help. Glossary, index