What you can do
There are a number of ways that parents, carers and professionals who work with young people can deal with concerns about gangs.
You can:
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talk and listen – encourage open conversation, tell them your concerns, be prepared to listen, don't judge, encourage them to reach out for help and tell them how
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monitor – impose curfews, monitor their social media, bank accounts and phone use where possible, report any concerns immediately, and if they do not return home, report them as 'missing' to police on 101
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stay 'in the know' – listen to what they're listening to, research about gangs and exploitation, be aware of what is going on locally and nationally – incidents in other areas can impact young people here – and use www.urbandictionary.com for slang word definitions
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share concerns – reach out for help, share concerns with professionals, make notes of names, dates and concerns
Be aware
Be aware of:
- the differences – the scene in Thurrock is not the same as London
- the things you say – consider comments you may make about race issues, the government or high profile news stories
- the news and what is going on around you – the causes of recent riots, stop and search, what's going on in Thurrock
Work with others
Professionals who work with young people should:
- record concerns
- record street names, associates and areas they talk about
- share intelligence, information and concerns
- regularly meet all involved agencies to assess and manage risks and safeguarding
Work with others to manage risk effectively and safeguard the young person.