Parents on a Mission is the best prevention strategy against gangs Why do kids join gangs? My first-hand experience throughout many years of working with gang members and at-risk Latino youth and families shows that the root of the problem-as well as the solution-lies within the parent-child relationship. Out of countless hours of counseling and listening to young gang members and their parents talk about their home life, the concept of Parents on a Mission was born. Its purpose is to turn the hearts of parents and children to one another through implementing a strategy of forgiveness and reconciliation. Parents on a Mission is a working solution that addresses problems in a most practical, inexpensive, truthful, and caring way. This book focuses on: Why parents are the best prevention strategy against gangs Why gang members are not the enemy Inside-out vs. outside-in community solutions A look at gangs, authority figures, and the economics of poverty The Seven Principles to help gang members become productive students The role of faith-based engagement in building the character of students on the school campus