Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said the booklet would help parents spot the signs that their children are involved in gangs, as well as provide practical steps parents can take and people to contact for help and support.
Smith announced the publication of the booklet as she attended the launch of the New Year Shooting Memorial Trust, a victim support group set up by mothers Beverley Thomas and Marcia Shakespeare, whose daughters died after a drive-by shooting in 2003.
The trust will support families and young people affected by violent crime and provide a programme of preventive measures including education and help into employment.
Smith said: "Parents need to know how to spot if their child is involved in a gang and where to turn if they are concerned. We have worked with police, local authorities and parenting and community groups to make sure the booklet is a useful addition in the fight against violent crime."
The Gangs: You and Your Child booklet can be downloaded from the Direct.Gov website. Hard copies are also being handed out in London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham.
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