This Bulletin provides the reader with information to understand the complexity of the juvenile gang problem, and it provides information to dispel common gang stereotypes. After describing the key characteristics of youth gangs, the Bulletin examines risk factors for gang membership, including individual and family demographics, personal attributes, and peer group, school, and community factors. Gang prevention strategies are presented and illustrated with examples of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention programs. Primary prevention targets the entire at-risk population, while secondary prevention focuses on those identified as being at greatest risk for delinquency. Tertiary prevention efforts involve juvenile offenders and youth gang members. The information in this Bulletin offers a solid foundation on which to build a comprehensive strategy to prevent youth gang involvement. (Contains 92 references.) (SLD)