Helping teens deal with trauma in care

Working with young people involved in gangs is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. These young individuals often face circumstances that most of us can’t imagine – difficult home lives, trauma, and experiences that push them toward dangerous paths. For many, joining a gang feels like the only way to survive or find belonging in a world that feels unsafe or uncaring.

Join us as we take a closer look at how we, as care workers, can make a difference in the lives of young people at risk and why understanding their journeys is the key to helping them move beyond the gangs they feel trapped in.

When a young person joins a gang, it’s usually because they’re trying to meet needs that haven’t been fulfilled rather than a straightforward choice. For many, it’s about searching for something they feel is missing, whether that’s a sense of family, safety, belonging, or respect. To truly understand why young people get involved in gangs, we need to look beyond their behaviour and consider the deeper circumstances and emotions that are influencing their decisions.

For some young people, a gang offers what they lack elsewhere: a sense of family. Many who join gangs come from homes where love, stability, and support are scarce. They might have parents who are absent, struggling with their own issues, or unable to provide the nurturing environment that children need to thrive. In a gang, they might find people who make them feel seen and valued, even if it’s conditional. That sense of belonging can be powerful for a young person who has felt invisible or unwanted.

Peer pressure plays a huge role, especially for teens who crave acceptance. If their friends or older kids in their community are in gangs, they might feel it’s the natural thing to do. Sometimes, joining isn’t even about wanting to be part of a gang but about avoiding being targeted or isolated for refusing. In communities where gangs are deeply embedded in daily life, saying no can feel impossible.

Gangs often prey on the psychological and emotional vulnerabilities of young people. Someone who feels powerless in their own life might be drawn to the promise of control and respect that gangs offer. A young person who feels unsafe might see a gang as a source of protection. And for those who feel like they don’t matter—whether at home, at school, or in society—a gang can provide an identity and a place where they feel significant, even if it’s built on fear and violence.

Poverty and lack of opportunities are also significant drivers. Young people in struggling communities often face limited access to education, jobs, and safe recreational spaces. They see adults around them working hard but barely making ends meet, and the idea of a brighter future can feel like a distant dream. Gangs can exploit this hopelessness by offering what seems like a quicker, easier path to money, status, or a better life. For kids in survival mode, the long-term risks might feel less urgent than the need to escape their current reality.

For some young people, gang involvement is tied to trauma. They may have grown up witnessing violence or abuse, and joining a gang feels like a way to reclaim power or avoid being a victim again. Others might have been exposed to gang life from a young age, making it feel like a natural progression rather than a choice. Trauma can warp a young person’s ability to trust others or see alternatives, leaving them feeling that the gang is the only place they belong.

When young people don’t have positive role models in their lives, they can feel lost or directionless. Without guidance from trusted adults—whether that’s parents, teachers, or friends—they may seek out older individuals who appear to offer support and a sense of belonging. Sadly, in many cases, these individuals are gang members who take on the role of mentor. However, the guidance they provide is often harmful and misguided, leading the young person down a dangerous and destructive path instead of helping them grow in healthy, positive ways.

The truth is, no one grows up dreaming of becoming part of a gang. Young people join because they’re trying to fill a void, cope with pain, or navigate circumstances they didn’t choose. When we look beyond the surface and truly see the emotional and environmental factors at play, we can start to understand their choices—and how to help them make different ones. By addressing their needs for safety, belonging, and purpose in healthy ways, we can offer them a way out and the chance to build a better future.

To effectively support young people involved in gangs, it’s vital to understand the culture of gang life and the powerful pull it has on those who join. For many, a gang is not just a group—it’s a surrogate family, a source of identity, and a means of survival. However, the same forces that draw young people in can quickly become the chains that trap them.

Gangs often present themselves as close-knit communities where loyalty is paramount. This sense of loyalty can be incredibly appealing for young people who feel abandoned by family or marginalised by society. Gang members may present themselves as a supportive “family,” offering a sense of belonging and solidarity that is hard to find elsewhere.

Protection is another significant factor. In areas where violence and intimidation are a daily reality, joining a gang can seem like the safest or even the only option. The gang promises to shield its members from harm, whether that be from rival groups, abusive homes, or a broader society that feels indifferent to their struggles.

Gang culture also offers many young people the sense of identity they seek. Wearing certain colours, adopting a specific name, or completing actions for the gang can provide them with a feeling of power and significance. For some, this might be the first time they’ve felt valued or respected, even if the context is destructive and dangerous.

While gangs may initially offer loyalty and protection, the reality is often far more sinister. Gangs operate as much on fear as they do on loyalty, using violence and intimidation to maintain control over their members. What begins as a community can quickly turn into a trap, where leaving feels far more dangerous than staying.

Many young people find themselves manipulated into deeper involvement. They might be pressured to commit crimes, prove their loyalty through risky or violent acts, or even face threats against their families if they refuse. Leaders exploit their vulnerabilities, using their need for acceptance to keep them compliant. Over time, young people may feel completely powerless, as though the gang owns them.

Even when a young person starts to see the darker side of gang culture, leaving is rarely straightforward. Fear plays a significant role—fear of violent retaliation, fear of losing the only community they’ve known, and fear of entering a world where they have no other support.

There’s also a profound sense of hopelessness that can accompany gang involvement. Many believe that once they’ve joined, there’s no way out—their past actions will follow them forever, or the gang will hunt them down if they try to leave. The stigma and self-doubt they carry often make it difficult for them to imagine a future where they can be anything other than a gang member.

Understanding the culture of gang life—the camaraderie, the appeal, and the painful realities—is essential when working with young people who are involved. It helps us approach them with empathy, recognising that their choices are often made under immense pressure or as a means of survival. By acknowledging the loyalty, identity, and protection that gangs seem to offer, we can begin to show young people healthier ways to meet those same needs. By recognising the fear and control that keep them trapped, we can work to empower them with the tools and support they need to break free.

Trust is the foundation for any meaningful work with young people in gangs. Many of these individuals have grown up in environments where trust was repeatedly broken—by family members, authority figures, or even their peers. As a result, they may be wary of anyone who claims to want to help them. Building trust takes time, patience, and a commitment to showing up for them, even when they push you away.

The first step in building trust is to approach these young people with empathy and without judgment. It’s easy to look at gang involvement from the outside and make assumptions, but their reality is often far more complicated. Maybe they’ve experienced trauma, been let down by those who should have cared for them, or simply made choices they now feel unable to escape. Acknowledging their humanity, listening to their story, and validating their emotions can help break down walls.

Non-judgmental support means seeing beyond the behaviour of the person behind it. Instead of focusing on what they’ve done wrong, focus on their potential and the strengths they don’t yet see in themselves. It’s about letting them know you’re not there to fix or lecture them but to walk alongside them as they figure out a better path.

• Active Listening: Many young people in gangs feel ignored or misunderstood, which makes active listening so important. This means giving them your full attention, letting them speak without interruption, and reflecting back on what you hear to show you understand. When they share, don’t dismiss their experiences, even if they seem shocking or hard to hear. Show that you’re there to truly hear them, not just to respond.
• Consistency: Consistency is everything. Young people in gangs have often learned not to rely on others, so proving you’re dependable can be transformative. This might mean showing up when you say you will, keeping promises, or simply being a consistent presence in their chaotic world. Over time, they’ll see that you’re someone they can count on.
• Patience: Building trust isn’t an overnight process. You might face rejection, anger, or indifference before you make a connection. That doesn’t mean you’re not making progress. Every conversation, every moment you show up, plants a seed. Be patient and let the relationship grow at their pace.

Young people in gangs are often used to relationships that come with strings attached or expectations of loyalty in exchange for protection or support. Showing them genuine care—without conditions—can be revolutionary for them. This means being there even when they mess up, not giving up when they’re resistant, and continuing to believe in them when they struggle to believe in themselves.

It’s important to remember that resistance isn’t personal; it’s often their way of testing whether you’re really going to stick around. When you respond with kindness and consistency, you begin to prove that you’re different from the people who’ve let them down in the past.

Even small moments of connection—a sincere “How are you today?” or celebrating their achievements, no matter how small—can make a big difference. Over time, these moments build a bridge of trust, helping them feel safe enough to open up and start imagining a future beyond the gang.

Building trust is hard work, but it’s also the first step toward helping young people see that they are worthy of care, support, and a better life. By meeting them where they are with empathy and patience, you create the foundation for meaningful change.

As residential care workers, we are not just caretakers; we are also mentors who play a pivotal role in the lives of young people, especially those involved in gangs. The connection we build with youth goes beyond providing safety and meeting their basic needs – we become trusted adults who help shape their worldviews, choices, and futures. Our day-to-day interactions, whether through conversation, support, or modelling positive behaviours, lay the foundation for mentoring relationships that can significantly influence their lives.

Gang involvement often stems from a survival mentality, where young people learn to resolve conflict through aggression or intimidation. A carer’s role is crucial in teaching them new ways to approach problems that don’t rely on violence or fear. By engaging in deep conversations and asking thought-provoking questions, we can help young people reflect on the consequences of their actions and begin to reconsider old patterns of behaviour.

For example, we may help a young person practice critical thinking by discussing the potential outcomes of certain actions. Instead of reacting impulsively, they can explore how to assess situations more thoughtfully, weigh their options, and choose responses that foster positive relationships and long-term well-being. 

Problem-solving skills are also essential: when faced with a challenge, gang-involved youth might only know to fight or flee. Mentorship helps expand this range of responses by introducing healthier coping strategies, such as mediation, communication, or seeking outside help.

Furthermore, care workers can serve as a models for how to relate to others in a non-violent and respectful way. In the gang world, trust is often earned through loyalty and fear, but a mentor can demonstrate that real trust comes from honesty, vulnerability, and shared values. Over time, this can help young people reframe their relationships and see the value in healthy, supportive friendships rather than toxic, fear-based connections.

A core aspect of being a carer is helping young people discover new passions and interests that can build their self-esteem and give them a sense of purpose beyond gang life. Too often, gang involvement is driven by a lack of opportunities—young people may feel trapped in their circumstances and believe that joining a gang is the only way to gain respect, protection, or status. By encouraging them to engage in extracurricular activities, we can introduce them to experiences that offer growth, achievement, and belonging.

Community programs, whether focused on sports, arts, academic support, or life skills, serve as powerful tools for reintegrating gang-involved youth into society in a positive way. These activities offer a structured environment where they can gain new skills, meet peers with similar interests, and build a sense of achievement independent of their gang affiliations. Involvement in sports can teach teamwork and discipline, while artistic outlets like music, drama, or visual arts can encourage emotional expression and creativity.

Vocational training programs are particularly valuable, as they not only provide useful skills but also open the door to future employment opportunities. For many young people in gangs, the idea of career-focused opportunities might seem out of reach. We can play a vital role in helping youth understand that there are pathways to financial independence, status, and fulfilment that don’t involve crime. Whether it’s by giving them the opportunity to explore potential careers, connect with training programs, or navigate higher education opportunities, we help broaden their horizons.

By introducing young people to these new possibilities, care workers not only inspire them to break free from the grip of gang life but also empower them to imagine and work toward a future where they can thrive. This is a critical aspect of mentorship—helping youth see alternative ways to succeed and build a meaningful life without resorting to violence or criminal activity.

A fundamental aspect of residential care for young people involved in gangs is the creation of a secure, non-judgmental space where they can express their emotions and experiences freely. Many of these young people come from backgrounds of trauma, violence, or neglect, which can make it difficult for them to trust others or feel safe enough to be vulnerable. In a gang environment, their identity and sense of self-worth are often built around survival and loyalty, and expressing vulnerability may be seen as a sign of weakness.

As care workers, it’s crucial to break down these barriers by offering a space where they feel accepted for who they are, not for their past affiliations or actions. This safe space allows youth to discuss their struggles, fears, and hopes without worrying about retaliation or judgment. It fosters open communication, where care workers can build a foundation of trust. When young people know they can speak without fear of retribution or criticism, they are more likely to open up about their past trauma, their present challenges, and their desires for the future. This expression is the first step toward healing, self-awareness, and positive change.

Moreover, encouraging youth to express themselves creatively—through art, journaling, music, or group discussions—provides an alternative outlet for their emotions. It helps them process their feelings in ways that might feel safer and more constructive than direct confrontation. This environment of emotional safety encourages personal growth and can significantly reduce the impulse to react to conflict in harmful or destructive ways.

Gang life often brings a sense of constant instability—whether through frequent moves, broken family dynamics, or unsafe living conditions. Many young people in gangs experience disrupted education, unstable housing, and chaotic home environments, all of which can heighten their feelings of insecurity. In contrast, residential care provides a refuge where consistency and structure can be introduced into their lives. This sense of stability is one of the most powerful tools in helping youth heal and grow.

Residential care settings offer the stability of a safe home where basic needs, such as food, shelter, and safety, are met daily. This consistency allows young people to rebuild trust in the adults around them and the world. For many, it’s the first time they experience a predictable and secure environment, which is essential in healing from trauma. The ability to wake up each day knowing they are safe and supported creates the foundation for emotional healing. It allows young people to let down their guard and begin confronting past trauma with the guidance of care workers and other professionals.

Additionally, the structure of residential care supports the development of routines that help young people regain control over their lives. Simple activities like attending school, engaging in hobbies, or participating in daily chores teach responsibility and time management. These routines also provide opportunities for young people to experience a sense of accomplishment and autonomy—something often missing from their lives in gang settings. As they gain control over the small aspects of their day-to-day lives, they start to build the confidence necessary to take on larger challenges, both in and outside of the care environment.

While providing a stable and supportive environment is a critical part of residential care, the safety of young people in care must always be actively monitored, especially when it comes to potential gang-related activity. The reality is that gang influence can still persist in residential settings, and care workers must be vigilant in recognising and addressing any signs of gang involvement.

Changes in behaviour, associations, or even shifts in attitudes toward authority can indicate that a young person is either being recruited by a gang or is trying to reassert ties to old affiliations. Care workers need to be observant of these subtle cues—whether it’s a new group of friends with questionable intentions, a sudden increase in aggression, or an interest in returning to a gang-controlled neighbourhood. Monitoring these signs allows care workers to intervene before gang influences can take root in the young person’s life again.

Intervening early on is vital in providing young people with the tools and guidance they need to resist gang pressures. This may involve having conversations with the young person to understand the root cause of their behaviour or connecting them with additional support services such as counselling or conflict resolution training. Care workers should also have a clear protocol for dealing with gang-related safety issues—isolating the individual from potentially harmful interactions, reporting incidents to higher authorities, or even coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure safety.

By staying proactive and aware of safety concerns, care workers protect the well-being of the young people in their care and help them build resilience in the face of outside threats. This protective role is critical in helping youth maintain their commitment to personal growth, as they are given the tools and environment necessary to remain safe, heal, and ultimately break free from the cycle of gang involvement.

When working with young people involved in gangs, it’s essential to acknowledge that meaningful change is a long-term process—one that doesn’t happen overnight. For many of these youth, the behaviours and attitudes that come with gang involvement have been ingrained over years of exposure to a particular way of life. These deep-seated patterns can create significant resistance to change. Moreover, the pressures of loyalty, fear, and identity tied to gang life are not easily let go of.

Setbacks are inevitable and must be viewed as part of the journey. A relapse into old habits, a confrontation with peers, or even a return to gang-associated environments may occur. These setbacks can be frustrating for both the youth and the care workers trying to support them. However, reframing these moments not as failures but as learning opportunities is essential. A setback can serve as an important signpost on the path to growth, offering valuable insights into the young person’s ongoing struggles and providing a chance to reinforce new strategies for overcoming obstacles.

Some days will feel like significant breakthroughs, while others may feel like steps backwards. This is normal, and remaining patient, flexible, and supportive is critical. Understanding that change will take time and that setbacks are part of the process allows care workers to maintain a long-term perspective, even when the road ahead appears challenging.

Managing setbacks requires a balanced approach of patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement. When a young person relapses or faces challenges, care workers should stay calm and focused on the goal: helping the youth regain their confidence and continue moving forward. This involves setting realistic, incremental goals rather than expecting drastic change all at once. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, care workers can help young people feel more in control of their progress and less overwhelmed by the larger journey ahead.

Celebrating even the smallest successes—such as avoiding a confrontation, choosing to walk away from a dangerous situation, or staying out of a gang-related area—can help foster a sense of accomplishment and motivate continued progress. When setbacks occur, it’s vital not to focus solely on the failure but to acknowledge the positive steps they’ve taken, reinforcing their ability to succeed. Encouraging resilience by reminding youth of how far they’ve come and the tools they’ve learned to handle challenges can help rebuild their motivation.

Additionally, building coping strategies that focus on emotional regulation and conflict resolution can be particularly effective in managing setbacks. Teaching young people how to handle stress and frustration without resorting to old habits like violence or avoidance can provide them with the tools to navigate tough situations when they arise. By focusing on these small steps and offering constant encouragement, care workers can help young people build the resilience needed to keep pushing forward, even in the face of setbacks.

While the residential care environment offers structure and safety, it’s important to recognise that the challenges young people face do not disappear once they step outside. The external pressures of gang life—peer pressure, the fear of retaliation, and the temptation to return to old associations—can create significant obstacles to change. These pressures often resurface, even after a youth has made significant progress in care.

Care workers play a vital role in helping youth navigate these external challenges. One of the most important ways to support them is by building a robust and personalised safety plan that includes strategies for coping with peer pressure and avoiding dangerous situations. This plan can consist of practical steps such as identifying safe spaces, knowing whom to contact for support, and developing ways to deflect or avoid situations where gang influence may arise.

Regular check-ins are essential in maintaining this support system. Care workers can remain a steady, reliable presence in the young person’s life, offering advice, encouragement, and reminders of their progress. These check-ins can also provide an opportunity to discuss new challenges and adjust safety plans accordingly. Staying connected through consistent communication fosters trust and reassures the youth that they are not alone in facing these external pressures.

Building solid relationships with other support systems, such as local community organisations, social workers, or law enforcement, can also be instrumental in providing a broader support network. This network can offer resources and assistance, especially in situations where the young person is at risk of gang retaliation or is struggling with external influences.

Ultimately, consistency and continued encouragement are key to supporting youth through external challenges. By reinforcing the skills and strategies they’ve learned in the residential care setting, care workers can help youth navigate difficult situations confidently and make decisions that align with their long-term goals rather than falling back into old patterns.

When it comes to helping young people involved in gangs, no one person or organisation can tackle everything on their own. The challenges these young people face are complex, and breaking free from gang involvement requires more than just providing a safe space—it requires a network of support from various professionals who each bring something unique to the table. 

That’s why it’s so important for residential care workers to collaborate with schools, social services, mental health professionals, and law enforcement. Together, these agencies create a comprehensive system that can support young people in all areas of their lives, helping them leave behind gang influences and build a better future.

Schools are an essential part of the puzzle. Education can be the key to escaping gang life for many young people. It’s not just about learning in the classroom; school provides a structured environment where youth can develop important social skills and build positive relationships. By engaging with peers and caring adults at school, young people can begin to break away from the toxic group dynamics often found in gangs. A positive, supportive school environment helps them envision a future that’s different from the one they know in the streets, and it gives them the tools to make that vision a reality.

Mental health professionals play a huge role in helping these young people heal from the trauma that often lies at the root of their involvement in gangs. Many of them have faced violence, loss, or instability, and that emotional weight can lead to harmful behaviours. Mental health support can help them process their past, develop healthier coping strategies, and rebuild their sense of self-worth. Trauma-informed therapy is crucial in helping youth understand and manage their emotions in ways that reduce the likelihood of resorting to violence or rejoining gang life.

Social services are just as important, particularly when it comes to addressing family and social issues. Many young people in gangs come from homes where they feel unsupported or unsafe. Social workers can step in to help improve family communication, resolve conflicts, and provide resources that stabilise the home environment. By strengthening the foundation at home, social services create a more stable environment for the young person to thrive in. They can also connect youth to community programs, housing, job training, and other resources that promote personal growth and long-term success.

Law enforcement, while often viewed as the authority figure, can also be an important ally in this process. Officers who engage with the community through programs like community policing can build trust and offer valuable support in keeping young people safe. They can help protect youth from gang retaliation and intervene when necessary to prevent violence. While law enforcement doesn’t directly change behaviours, their involvement ensures that young people are not left vulnerable as they transition away from the gang world and work toward building a new, safer life.

When all these different agencies work together, they create a strong, well-rounded safety net that addresses every aspect of a young person’s journey out of gang life. This kind of teamwork is crucial because it doesn’t just focus on one area of the young person’s life—it supports them emotionally, socially, and physically. Residential care workers are able to collaborate with schools, social workers, mental health professionals, and law enforcement to ensure that the youth receive the care they need in every area, from emotional healing to educational opportunities to safety planning.

The beauty of this collaboration is that it creates a path for long-term success. With the right support system in place, young people can heal from trauma, build positive relationships, develop skills, and ultimately reintegrate into society in a way that feels safe and empowering. Working with external agencies ensures they don’t face these challenges alone but instead have a team of professionals backing them every step of the way. Together, we can help them create a future free from gang involvement, offering them the support, structure, and guidance they need to succeed.

Working with young people involved in gangs is undoubtedly tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. As residential care workers, we’re often the ones who get to be a steady presence in their lives, offering support and guidance as they try to break free from the influences of gang life. These young people are carrying a lot—trauma, fear, and uncertainty—and it’s our role to help them navigate those challenges with empathy and understanding.

One of the most important things we can do is provide tailored support that addresses their individual needs. But we can’t do it alone. Collaboration is key. By working alongside schools, mental health professionals, social services, and law enforcement, we create a network of care that ensures every aspect of their well-being is addressed. This holistic approach helps them heal, grow, and find a way out of gang life that’s rooted in stability and support.

We all know the road to change isn’t easy. There will be setbacks, and progress might feel slow at times. But every step forward matters. As care workers, we have the opportunity to reinforce positive behaviours, celebrate small wins, and remind these young people that change is possible, even when it feels out of reach.

So, let’s keep going. Even on the hard days, we need to stay hopeful and persistent. We may not always see the results immediately, but our dedication to their growth and well-being makes a real difference. Together, with the community’s support, we can help these young people build a future beyond the gang life they’ve known. Let’s continue to walk alongside them, supporting them as they work toward a better, brighter future.

At JM Workforce, we recognise the unique challenges faced by residential care homes, particularly when staff shortages or crises arise. That’s why we’re here to provide reliable, professional, and compassionate staff at short notice. Whether you need emergency cover, crisis intervention, or ongoing support, our team is ready to step in and help ensure your care home continues to operate smoothly, even during the most difficult times.

Our staff are not only highly trained and experienced but also specifically equipped to deal with the complexities of working with young people involved in gangs. We understand the importance of trauma-informed care and are skilled in providing de-escalation techniques and offering the support these young people need to feel safe and heard.

We work closely with you to understand your specific needs, ensuring the right professionals are placed in your care home at the right time. Whether it’s for short-term cover or long-term support, you can rely on JM Workforce to provide quality care staff who are well-prepared to support your team and the young people in your care.

With JM Workforce, you won’t have to face staffing challenges alone. Let us help you maintain a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment while ensuring the highest standards of care for the young people you serve.