Gang awareness forum set Friday in Merced

A gang awareness forum will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Friday.

GEO Reentry Services and the Merced County Probation Department will host the forum at the campus gym of Valley Community School at 1850 Wardrobe Ave., Merced.

Local and state officials experienced in gang matters will address how to recognize early signs of gang involvement as well as which age groups are most at risk for early involvement. The “how” and “why” questions of gang appeal will also be answered, officials said in a news release.

The gathering will provide information for concerned parents, youths and community members. Presenters will discuss issues related to Merced and how supportive home environments are strong preventive forces against gang involvement.

This story was originally published May 16, 2016 at 12:11 PM with the headline "Gang awareness forum set Friday in Merced."