Youth Programs: Why Bother?

Do youth programs make a difference? Do they prevent crime?

Is the Center just about making kids feel all warm and fuzzy, then sending them on their way where they'll get into trouble anyway?

Persistent criminal behavior by youth is the result of wrong choices. These contributing factors, according to research, tend to prevail in youth who commit crimes:

• Family violence
• Neglect, including:
• Lack of involvement;
• Lack of supervision by parents or any other caring adult;
• Little to no emotional and social support from neighbors, relatives or friends;
• Difficulties in school;
• Peer-pressure;
• Neighborhoods with sub-standard housing, recreational, health and educational facilities;
• Youth unemployment and blocked opportunities; and
• Poverty.

Many youngsters experience some of these problems and will never commit a crime. A child who experiences one or more of these problems, however, may be at a greater risk of criminal behavior. When parental supports are lacking, who provides the positive influence that children need to make right choices?

The Center's programs are not just about giving kids a positive experience, although that's a benefit we hope they receive. Those who work directly with the children and their parents, including officers and community volunteers, have some idea of what their lives and homes are like. Seeing them smile is rewarding.

The programs are about establishing relationships and supports, providing supervision and engaging children in positive, rewarding activities. All of these factors help to reduce the likelihood that these children will make choices that result in criminal activity.

The approach focuses on the positive, although it's intent is to address a negative: Crime and the factors that can contribute to it's cause. The Center's programs offer positive experiences to children who are facing many difficulties, living in situations that most of us never had to experience.

The children have fun, learn something, and receive a reward for their successes. They develop connections and relationships with other adults that care, and make friends with other children. This creates a sense of belonging within their neighborhood and community. When kids feel they matter to someone, that their lives have worth and value, they're more apt to behave constructively.

The Community Policing Division is addressing the problem in order to reduce youth crime. We have written about some of the strategies here, and invite you to take a closer look through the archives. Specifically, articles tagged "youth development", "programs", "events" or with a program name such as "GREAT". "DARE", provide more information.

Many of the officers involved with youth, either in proactive programs or reactively, give up personal time and the easy pace of summer while others are enjoying family vacations and lighter schedules that these few months are supposed to be about. These officers wouldn't do it with such dedication if it didn't make a difference. Every day there is an opportunity to influence at least one child or parent for the good.

Crime prevention and youth development programs are not effective when done in a vacuum. When neighbors, businesses, schools and other government departments, volunteers and donors supply a steady commitment of their resources, programs can be delivered consistently and effectively.

Resources include money, time, skills and abilities. Interested adults who are willing to volunteer their time are also needed. You can bring your children with you, as some of our volunteers do. Our events are family-friendly, and provide a great volunteer opportunity for tweens, teens and college students. They are also fun for adults.

We invite any honest skeptic to spend a few hours with one of the officers, and take a closer look. Give us a call if you're interested: (315)471-3257.

Or, stop by the picnic in Washington Square Park next Thursday, July 31 for lunch, and chat with us.