Events in NSW in the past few years have heightened the focus on "youth gangs" and ethnic youth gangs in particular. In this report Roza Lozusic explores what they are, how and why they form, and how they're preceived by the public. She examines the ethnic gang debate in NSW, and outlines the legislative and other initiatives targeted at gangs, in particular those aimed at preventing the formation of youth gangs and youth gang criminal activity. The report also includes a brief overview of anti-gang initiatives in the US.