NCJ Number
169020
Journal
Juvenile Justice Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (September 1997) Pages: 3-10
Date Published
1997
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The discussion of juvenile gun use focuses on the increase in gun homicides by juveniles and describes promising programs for preventing the use of guns by youth.
Abstract
Guns are now the weapon of choice for youth and gun homicides by juveniles have tripled since 1983, while homicides involving other weapons have declined. Disputes that would previously have ended in fist fights are now more likely to lead to shootings. However, local, State, and national programs to take guns from youth and to prevent gun violence are being established. Many State and local programs designed to take guns out of the hands of teenagers have proven successful. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has also started a new initiative to increase the effectiveness of these programs by enhancing and coordinating prevention, intervention, and suppression strategies and strengthening linkages among the community, law enforcement, and the juvenile justice system. Public information campaigns and improved efforts to address child abuse and neglect are two other promising approaches. Figure, photographs, and 26 references