Gang warning sign help for parents

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Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will speak at the launch of the New Year Shooting Memorial Trust in Birmingham.

The trust has been set up by Beverley Thomas and Marcia Shakespeare, whose daughters died in 2003.

Letisha Shakespeare, 17, and Charlene Ellis, 18, were killed in a botched gang attack outside a New Year party in the city.

The launch coincides with the publication of a booklet which talks parents through practical steps they can take if they think their child is in a gang and how to stop them getting involved in gang culture.

It suggests looking out for the teenager using new or unusual slang words, using a new nickname and suddenly acquiring new possessions or money.

Parents are advised to be involved in their child's life, to know their friends and their friends' families and to encourage them to get involved in positive pastimes and activities.

The booklet advocates listening to a child's reasons for being in a gang and talking through the consequences instead of issuing orders and ultimatums.

It was developed with the help of the Association of Chief Police Officers, local authorities and parenting organisations like the Family and Parenting Institute and community groups including Mothers Against Violence.

Ms Smith said: "All parents worry about keeping their children safe - and need support to help them to do it. They need to know how to spot if their child is involved in a gang and where to turn if they are concerned. We have worked with police, local authorities and parenting and community groups to make sure the booklet is a useful addition in the fight against violent crime."