NCJ Number
160991
Date Published
1995
Length
45 pages
Annotation
In an analysis designed to develop strategies for countering youth violence in California, this paper considers the prevalence and causes of youth violence, promising programs for young adolescents, and strategies for countering the development of violent behaviors by young adolescents.
Abstract
Current levels of youth violence in California are intolerable. Factors in the development of violent behaviors by adolescents are their own violent victimization and abuse; observed violence in the home; unstable, violent neighborhoods; poverty and unemployment; substance abuse; easy access to guns; and violent television programming. California and the Federal Government have thus far done little to provide programming for troubled youths 9 to 15 years old until they become part of the juvenile justice or child protective services systems. The few programs that exist for this age group are thinly spread throughout the State, and they are not oriented toward prevention. To identify prevention strategies for this age group, a focus group of professionals from law enforcement, juvenile justice, education, and community youth programs recently met. This group recommended five diverse approaches related to schools and State agencies. These strategies are designed to be implemented by the State, local government, and community agencies to prevent children with troublesome behavior from developing violent and delinquent behaviors. The recommended strategies are designed to encourage creation of community schools with integrated services; provide more individualized attention to troubled children and adolescents; encourage schools, as well as programs serving youth, to implement values and decisionmaking curricula; ensure that schools are safe places for children; and coordinate youth programs among State agencies. 24 notes and appended 1993-94 Chaptered legislation and brief descriptions of major State youth programs