Risk-Taking within a Gang

In the adolescent age, young people in the United States prefer to be with their peers instead of their families. Interaction within young people can lead to engagement in gang activities, some of which can be risky. Gang involvement presents risk factors for the youths, especially when behaviorally and socially maladjusted. In these groups, the risk factors can be accustomed to negative influence from friends. Some of the risk factors include their peer group, individual characteristics, school, family, and community.

            According to Cross and Lewis (2018), Northamptonshire had been experiencing a massive increase in gangs. Some of the activities that the gangs were engaging in included child sexual abuse, drug dealing, and violence on vulnerable people.  In the report on policy and resources produced in February 2020, Northamptonshire has adopted a strategy to reduce gang-related violence through crack-down on crime. This strategy would ensure that crime rates are reduced by 60 percent across this region. Most of them have an average age of about 29 years.

Support Services

Some organizations in the region include:

• My Voice (https://voicenorthants.org/myvoice/support-and-services/www.northantsnhw.co.uk)

I chose this organization due to their elaborate procedures of reporting crime. It offers a communication platform where an abused individual can easily seek assistance from relevant authorities.

• Relate (https://relatenorthants.org.uk/)

I chose this site because of its wide coverage of relationship support. The website also facilitates counselling support for couples and individuals and also they have a free helpline support system.

References

Cross, E., and Lewis, C., 2018. Northamptonshire suffers a massive increase in gangs. BBC News. www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-43573623

Policy and Resources Committee. 2020. Northamptonshire Reducing Gang-Related Violence and Exploitation Strategy 2019 to 2022. East Northamptonshire Council.