Teen violence
¢4 steps to reduce youth violence
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l1. Assure all school-age children and teens access to after-school, weekend and summer youth development programs to shut down the "Prime Time for Juvenile Crime."
l2. Assure all families access to the school readiness child care programs proven to dramatically reduce crime.
This is not just a problem for libraries – this is a societal problem.  An organization of police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors, crime survivors and other law enforcement personnel have called for public officials to adopt a 4-part plan to reduce crimes committed by teens and to help young people learn the skills needed to become responsible adults.

First step – addresses the fact that mischief and crime happens between the hours of 3:00 & 6:00.  The hours between the time that school lets out and dinnertime.  Stats. Support quality after-school programs, such as programs at the Boys & Girls clubs, programs at school, at the Y.  In many communities the library plays this role by default – there is no other place for teens to go.

2nd step – start early.  Start when children are young.  In one MI study, 3 & 4 year olds from low income families who participated in strong preschool programs were 1/5 as likely to be chronic lawbreakers by age 27 (when compared to children who didn’t participate in preschool programs).  Amazing – takes my breath away.