The streets of Philadelphia are quickly becoming the scene of violent acts and random murders. Innocent lives are killed every day due to a strong gang presence, and the streets are run by rebellious groups of fearless young adults. Gang violence in Philadelphia is a big problem and citizens will never be safe until gang prevention is implemented. Gang prevention is not a simple task, but with the right resources available, it is possible. Gang violence is a problem that will contribute to the collapse of Philadelphia and remains to be solved for many generations. With gang violence on the rise, the best solution to gang violence is to educate youth and parents about gangs and use family support to prevent the creation of gang members from the core of the problem. Background The presence of gang violence is a long-standing problem in Philadelphia. Since the American Revolution, gangs have overpopulated the streets of Philadelphia (Johnson, Muhlhausen, 2005). Most gangs in history belonged to members of the lower classes of society and were often immigrants to the United States (Teen Gangs, 1996). Gangs provided lower-class teenagers with the opportunity to bond with other lower-class teenagers. However, over time, the original reason for being in a gang has changed. In the past, gangs provided an escape for teenagers to express themselves, vent aggression and socialize with their peers. It was also an opportunity for adolescents to control their territory and integrate (Johnson, Muhlhausen, 2005). In the past, authorities focused only on the symptoms of gang violence and not the root cause. They would focus on apprehending crime members instead of preventing gang violence. Gangs are starting to expand from urban centers... half of the paper... March 26). The event targets gang violence: parents asked to be involved in children's lives. Augusta Chronicle, The (GA). McNeil, S. N., Herschberger, J. K., & Nedela, M. N. (2013). Low-income families with potential adolescent gang involvement: A structural model of community family therapy integration. American Journal of Family Therapy, 41(2), 110-120. doi:10.1080/01926187.2011.649110 Scott, S. (2012). Mayor's agenda: what to do in case of gang violence. Weekend Edition Saturday (NPR). Shute, J. (2013). Family support as a gang reduction measure. Children and Society, 27(1), 48-59. doi:10.1111/j.1099-0860.2011.00368.x“Teenage gangs and crime”. (1996, February 9). Issues and disputes on file. Retrieved March 29, 2014, from the Issues & Controversies database. "Teen Gangs". (2009, April 9). Issues and disputes on file. Retrieved March 29, 2014, from the Issues and Controversies database.