Gang violence has been a problem for many years and it shows no signs of diminishing anytime soon. One of the biggest challenges facing those trying to stem the tide of gangs in the United States is the cultural and societal factors that contribute to the continued survival and growth of gangs within communities. Juveniles are the most critical factor in the fight against gang violence. Miners are important for several reasons. They are at greatest risk because of their position in their community. Parents in low-income areas often work long hours and are not able to supervise their children as much as necessary. This may lead minors to seek the company or support of other young people in their neighborhood. This puts them in a vulnerable position that gang members can exploit to give them a sense of belonging or community. Older gang members may be seen as role models and looked up to. In families where older family influences are present, gang culture may already be a part of family life. In some families, gang membership may be a tradition going back generations. Younger family members may feel expected, even obligated, to follow the same path. Such a pervasive presence of gang mentality and culture in a young person's life can be extremely difficult to overcome. Additionally, high crime rates endemic to many low-income neighborhoods may further drive young people to turn to gangs as a form of protection and security from the threats they face. Another part of the gang problem that presents itself in neighborhoods is the public association of gang members. Juveniles wearing gang colors loiter in public places, intimidating members of the public and further spreading their m...... middle of paper ......onalities, such a program will fail in the eyes of the gangs who may inevitably provide such figures. In a community without strong parents, young people need a place to turn. Make sure the program has its place and ensure that staff are properly trained to fulfill this role, at least in a basic capacity. A program that can achieve these goals is well on its way to success. Although it may seem like a complex and expensive process, the benefits far outweigh the costs. A strong, well-implemented strategy targeting the most at-risk demographic groups can stop the potential for gang expansion before it happens. The cost of maintaining a heavy police presence, imprisoning criminal gang members, damage to property values ​​and the human toll that crime, drugs and violence inflict on a community is terrible - it must be remedied with a well-thought-out and effective effort..