Grimy Times has learned that federal agencies have been grappling with the issue of youth violence, with the latest development being the launch of the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention. The forum, directed by President Obama, brought together localities and other federal agencies to share strategies and challenges in preventing youth and gang violence.
According to sources, the participating cities, including Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Tenn., Salinas, Calif. and San Jose, Calif., met with federal agencies and each other to discuss effective approaches to preventing youth and gang violence. These cities have pledged to develop comprehensive plans to address this critical issue, using multi-disciplinary partnerships, balanced approaches and data-driven strategies.
Attorney General Eric Holder emphasized the need for collaboration and innovation in combating youth violence, stating, ‘Our effort to combat youth violence isn’t about federally-imposed fixes, it’s about changing the way we do business on this critical public safety issue.’ Holder met with the forum today, highlighting the importance of creating networks of local law enforcement agencies, educators, public health providers, community and faith-based organizations, parents and kids to stand together in the fight against youth and gang violence.
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan also spoke at the forum, underscoring the connection between public safety and learning. ‘We know that if children aren’t safe, then they can’t learn,’ Duncan said. ‘We all have a stake in public safety and a responsibility to keep our children out of harm’s way.’
White House Domestic Policy Advisor Melody Barnes added that the forum provides a platform for cities to learn from one another, illustrating the administration’s commitment to addressing the complex and urgent problem of youth violence with innovation, coordination, and hands-on hard work.
The participating cities were selected based on need, geographic diversity, and willingness and capacity to engage. Along with Justice and Education, participating federal agencies include the Departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
The comprehensive plans developed by these cities will be presented at a Youth Violence Summit to be held in Washington, D.C., next spring. The summit aims to reduce violence, improve opportunities for youth, and encourage innovation at the local and federal levels.
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