Gangs and Children

Since I have begun working with many children that are involved with gang activity it has become absolutely evident that often times these children have been either neglected or abused as a younger child.
These children join gangs for a number of varioius reasons, however often times it comes down to the fact that their parents have neglected them or they have been physically or sexually abused. To combat the abuse in their minds, the only way is to seek out a "new family" which would be gang protection.
That is why the Watchful Eye Foundation has set up a program to not simply educate children as young as toddlers but on up to teens. In addition, we strive to educate the parents as well as the community members so that we can embrace these children of all ages.
Often times a child will act out their inner anger in a variety of ways. Such as:

cutting themselves or self mutilation
running away
being a bully
joining a gang
anger issues towards family members
abusing another child
poor self esteem
weight gain or weight loss
dramatic change in school
depression
drinking
drug use

These are all signs that something more is under the surface of the child and parents or caretakers should be contacted. Another wonderful person who interacts with your child often would be the school guidance counselor. Make an appointment and talk with the counselor at the school where your child attends. Your vist would be highly welcomed.
All in all what you should do is become involved with your childs life. Make the time.

A Full circle

As the founder of the Watchful Eye Foundation as well as the publication Variety/Variedad I get asked quite often "what prompted you to start this".....
I have chosen this blog to hopefully answer these questions. One of the main goals of the publication as well as the Foundation is to remove the guilt from the victims and put it back where it belongs....On the predators. Once this is successfully achieved the true healing begins. I urge all of you that are reading this to slow down in your busy lives - listen to a child, not just with your ears, but with your heart. Take the time even if it is only for 10 minutes to be involved in a child's life. A child is a precious gift that we are allowed to have if only for a short while. Time has always been precious however, a child is the most precious gift in the universe. The rewards of a child's smile and safety as well as contment is a gift of a lifetime. Don't just simply take time to spend with a child - MAKE the time. Just sit down and listen to their conversation. You might be surprised at what you just might not know about your child. It could very well be the best decision you make in your lifetime.