Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

Which group is often at the highest risk of becoming involved in gangs?

1. Children from affluent families

2. Young people facing neglect and abuse

3. Middle-class teenagers

4. College students

The correct answer is: Young people facing neglect and abuse

Young people facing neglect and abuse are often at the highest risk of becoming involved in gangs due to a variety of factors that contribute to their vulnerability. When children experience neglect or abuse, they typically lack stable, nurturing environments that are crucial for healthy development. This instability can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and a need for belonging, which gangs can superficially provide. Gangs often serve as a surrogate family, offering camaraderie and a sense of identity that those suffering from neglect and abuse might lack at home. Additionally, these young people may have fewer resources and positive role models, making them more susceptible to the allure of gang culture. Their circumstances might also include economic hardships, limited access to quality education, and social services, further increasing their risk of gang involvement. In contrast, children from affluent families, middle-class teenagers, and college students typically have more access to resources, support systems, and opportunities that can mitigate the risks associated with gang involvement. These groups are less likely to face the same level of neglect and abuse, making their overall vulnerability to gangs lower compared to those who are experiencing significant difficulties in their home lives.