Former Independent Senator and psychiatrist Dr Varma Deyalsingh believes that the blame should not be placed on the shoulders of parents.
His comment comes on the heels of a statement by the Police Commissioner, Erla Harewood-Christopher, who blamed parents for their children falling into crime.
He says as it relates to crime parenting is just one factor others include poverty and a longing by youth for material possessions that seemingly comes easy to gang members.
He told News Power Now this morning that what the young person sees as a flashy lifestyle without consequences now becomes imprinted on their minds.
He said induction into the gang lifestyle and criminal activity could soon follow and this is may be despite good parenting at home.
Dr Deyalsingh said that a more holistic approach was needed to ensure the mental health of a child and that includes both the police and the education system.