Abstract
This study addresses the prevalent issue of factors contributing towards gang related activities amongst Southeast Asian youth gangs. The research study involves a sample of 10 participants, 5 ex-gang members and 5 legal and educational professionals, who were surveyed about their knowledge about the uniqueness of Cambodian youth gangs, factors contributing to gang membership, societal-economic costs of gangs, and recommendations for intervention. Study findings indicated that the Cambodian youth involved in gangs are most influenced ecologically by their low income communities and intergenerationally by their family members. They are also uniquely influenced by their family’s refugee experience. The findings in the study report the concerns of high societal and economic costs of youth gangs. Family and peer support is the most effective intervention to help Cambodian youth gangs get out of gangs. An ethnic specific mentoring youth program is also recommended.