Reduce Tomorrow's Violence: Take Action Today
The sobering projections about the future of juvenile violence underscore the need for strong, immediate, well-planned, and decisive action to intervene early with efforts to prevent younger children from following in the self-destructive footsteps of many of their older brothers and sisters. At the same time, it is imperative that we effectively respond to that small percentage of juvenile offenders who repeatedly victimize the community and who account for the vast majority of serious and violent delinquent acts. We must take immediate steps to improve the capacity of the juvenile justice system to respond to juvenile offenders. If we fail to respond to their needs, the potential costs to society in human lives and productivity will be an onerous and tragic burden to future generations.
In taking action, States and localities have a variety of choices that are both critical and difficult. Funds must be allocated for juvenile justice program options, ranging from secure facilities to day treatment, probation placements, and improvements in research and data collection and dissemination about juvenile violence issues. Also, funding must be made available for a broad spectrum of effective youth development and delinquency prevention programs, including family strengthening and afterschool programs, childcare for low-income working families, community policing efforts, summer recreation and job opportunities for low-income youth, and Head Start.
In addition to funding programs, there are many actions that States and local communities can take that build on their commitment to the safety, health, development, and well-being of children. By starting new initiatives, implementing the objectives, accessing the resources, and engaging in the activities of the Action Plan, leaders at the Federal, State, and local levels working together can make a difference.
The Nation can ill afford to make the wrong choices. The Action Plan presents examples of community commitment to solutions that work. We have an opportunity to build on these accomplishments and implement them in our own communities.
Copies of The National Juvenile Justice Action Plan Report (NCJ 157106) can be obtained by sending in the order form at the end of the Summary or by calling the Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse at 800-638-8736. The Action Plan can also be ordered via the Internet by sending an e-mail to [email protected].
Contents | Foreword | Acknowledgments | Introduction | Summary
Figures | Objectives | Conclusion | Appendixes