Youth Violence Myths and Realities: A Tale of Three Cities

Summary

This report examines the youth perspective on violence, life circumstance, and the response of the justice system to a supposed growth of violence among troubled youth, based on studies in Dallas; Washington, D.C.; and San Mateo, California. 

Table of Contents

• Executive Summary
• The NCCD Three-City Study
• Recommendations
• Preface
• Introduction
• Project Methods
• The Media's Representation of Youth and Youth Violence
• The Data: Trends in Crime, Arrests, and Public Attitudes
• The Role of the Juvenile Justice System
• Summary of Findings

Key Takeaway

System reform requires the involvement of youth, families and communities

Recommended steps toward engaging constituents in reforming the juvenile justice system include:

• Implementing a campaign to disseminate accurate public information.
• Expanding funding for public education.
• Promoting healthy parenting programs.
• Expanding training for law enforcement.
• Acknowledging that those involved in the system are adolescents, not predators.