Youth At Risk
Children
and young adults who, through low self-esteem or poor social skills,
are prone to become involved in crime, gangs, suicide, domestic abuse,
drug and alcohol abuse, early pregnancy, and school absenteeism.
Escalating youth crime and violence is quickly becoming an issue in
a growing number of California cities and towns. In the United States
juvenile violent crime has risen over 41% over the past ten years. In
2001 juveniles were responsible for 20% of all violent crimes in the
country. In California, violent crime arrests jumped from 2,343 in 1993
to 3,822 in 2004. In response to these and other trends, many communities
have begun to develop programs aimed specifically at youth who are at
risk which provide services such as counseling, job training, and late-night
recreational alternatives.
One promising approach being used in some communities has been to create
environments where youth, ages 10-17, can go and meet other kids their
age in safety and without fear. These places have organized programs
where teens can participate in recreation, education, and community
based activities. Some cities have seen the results of their programs
reflected in lower juvenile crime rates. For example, the city of Los
Angeles, with a strong youth intervention program known as the "YDREAM"
run by a former secret service / police officer, reported a dramatic
drop in juvenile arrests, 30% in 2005.
"It's Easier To Build Strong Children, Than To Repair Broken Adults"
