This resource handbook provides facts about gangs in Austin (Texas) and suggests ways parents and the community can work to reduce the city's gang problem. Criminal street gangs are becoming one of the most serious crime problems in Texas today, with 38 major cities reporting the presence of gangs. Texas gangs are defined as social, delinquent, and violent, and specific information is given about the gang affiliations in Austin. The city has 10 different gangs (sets), each associated with 1 of 4 gang nations. Steps parents can take, including how to recognize if one's child is a gang member, are described. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "How Gangs Function"; (3) "Signs of Gang Membership"; and (4) "What You Need To Know about Graffiti." Appendixes present information about gang identifiers, a list of gang slang and terminology, and resources to call for further information or help. (SLD)