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Gang culture

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Building safer communities where children and young people are valued

This research examines the profile of risk and protective factors experienced by young people growing up in the various communities and local authorities in Wales.

There are currently very low levels of gang activity in Wales, but in the few isolated areas experiencing issues relating to gang activity, local authorities are taking action.

Guidance in England

In 2009 the English Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) issued a guidance document for consultation in England on children and young people who may be affected by gang activity. The final version is expected to be published in the spring of 2010.

View the guidance and the consultation on the DCSF website.

The guidance is aimed at professionals and agencies dealing with children and young people under the age of 18 on the verge of becoming involved with street gangs, and those involved with them.

Low levels of gang activity in Wales

We received a copy of the draft guidance and consideration was given as to whether similar guidance was needed in Wales at this time. The draft document was circulated to members of the Welsh Assembly Government Children’s Safeguards Advisory Group (WAGCSAG).

The comments received suggested that there were currently very low levels of gang activity in Wales, but that in a few isolated areas where there were issues relating to gang activity, action was already being taken by the local authorities.

The Deputy Minister for Social Services subsequently agreed that there was not a need to issue similar guidance in Wales at this time but that the situation should be monitored and reviewed in due course.