The streets of Philadelphia are quickly becoming a hotbed for violent acts and random homicides. Innocent lives are taken every day due to the heavy presence of gangs and the streets are ruled by unruly groups of fearless young adults. Gang violence in Philadelphia is a major problem, and citizens will never be safe until gang prevention is implemented. Gang prevention is not a simple task, but with the right resources available, it is possible. Gang violence is a problem that will contribute to Philadelphia's collapse, and one that is many generations away from solving. With gang violence on the rise, the best solution to gang violence is to educate youth and parents about gangs and use family support to prevent the creation of gang members at the heart of the problem. General information The presence of gang violence is a long-standing problem. in Philadelphia. Since the American Revolution, gangs have overpopulated the streets of Philadelphia (Johnson, Muhlhausen, 2005). Most gangs in history were comprised of members of the lower classes of society and were often immigrants to the United States (Teen Gangs, 1996). Gangs provided opportunities for lower-class adolescents to bond with other lower-class adolescents. However, over time, the initial motivation for being part of a gang changed. In the past, gangs provided a way for teenagers to express themselves, let out their aggression, and socialize with their peers. It was also an opportunity for adolescents to control their territory and integrate (Johnson, Muhlhausen, 2005). In the past, authorities focused only on the symptoms of gang violence and not its root. They would focus on arresting crime members instead of preventing gang violence. Gangs begin to grow in inner city neighborhoods...... middle of newspaper...... March 26). The event targets gang violence: parents are invited to get involved in children's lives. Augusta Chronicle, The (GA). McNeil, SN, Herschberger, JK, & Nedela, MN (2013). Low-income families with potential adolescent gang involvement: A structural model of community family therapy integration. American Journal of Family Therapy, 41(2), 110-120. doi:10.1080/01926187.2011.649110 Scott, S. (2012). Mayor's agenda: what to do about gang violence. Weekend Edition Saturday (NPR). Shute, J. (2013). Family support as a gang reduction measure. Children and Society, 27(1), 48-59. doi:10.1111/j.1099-0860.2011.00368.x “Teen gangs and crime.” (1996, February 9). Issues and controversies on file. Retrieved March 29, 2014 from the Issues & Controversies database. “Teen Gangs.” (April 9, 2009). Issues and controversies on file. Retrieved March 29, 2014 from the Issues & Controversies database.