The City of Houston Mayor's Office offers these suggestions in working with Gang-Impacted Families:

As you reach out to enlist families in keeping their children out of gangs and gangs out of the community, these reminders may be helpful.

LISTEN.
Ask how they feel; consider body language as well as words and voice tones. Listen to the interactions among family members for clues to underlying relationships.

DON'T BLAME.
Sometimes family members will try to enlist you on "their side." Sometimes it's tempting to deal in "if only . . . " thinking. You are trying to enlist, encourage, and empower people, not load them with guilt.

BE AVAILABLE.
In a busy world with many urgent priorities, this can be the hardest job of all. But being in places where family members can reach you in person and by phone, and being open to their concerns makes the overall job much easier.

HAVE THE FACTS.
Dealing in rumors, opinions, and surmises hurts your own credibility. Factual answers can also help defuse tensions.

BE AN ALLY.
Helping people do things themselves may at first seem more difficult than doing it on your own. But keeping in mind the ally and helper role makes it easier to enjoy enormous benefits of empowering the families you are working with.

BE A RESOURCE.
As a professional with training, experience, and contacts, you doubtless know many ways to help people avoid "re-inventing the wheel." There is nothing wrong with offering guidance and advice.

BE SENSITIVE TO FAMILY CULTURE.
Regional differences, cultural differences, and differences in heritage can all affect how family members go about working together and with you.

Source:

City of Houston Mayor's Anti-Gang Office.