NCJ Number
193818
Date Published
1998
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This report presents President Clinton's 4-pronged comprehensive strategy intended to counter juvenile gangs and youth violence, along with specific measures to be implemented under each component of the strategy.
Abstract
One component of the strategy is to target criminal justice resources at gang and violent juveniles. This involves new anti-gang prosecution initiatives; tough and fair penalties for juvenile crimes, including the authority to try violent juveniles as adults when they commit adult crimes; and the curbing of gang witness intimidation. The second component of the strategy is designed to keep youth gun-free and drug-free. Actions under this component are to require gun dealers to sell child safety locks with every handgun, to expand the Brady Law to prevent juveniles convicted of violent crimes from buying guns when they turn 18 years old, and to enact tough new measures for cracking down on drunk and drugged driving. The third component of the strategy is intended to prevent juvenile delinquency through anti-truancy measures, curfews for juveniles, and keeping schools open late and on weekends for constructive activities for youth. The fourth component of the strategy focuses on improving the capacity of the juvenile justice system to respond appropriately and effectively with juvenile offenders. This involves the implementation of a Youth Violence Courts initiative and the establishment of a new Office of Juvenile Crime Control and Prevention. Some "success stories" in Boston, MA; Jacksonville, FL; and Salinas, CA, are profiled. Key legislative provisions designed to assist in implementing the strategy are summarized. Some newspaper clips relevant to the implementation of the strategy in various localities are provided.