Every day we read shocking stories about youth violence and drug abuse. The plight of children should warn us about the state of our nation. We have a national crisis on our hands.According to Children's Defense Fund 2007 figures, every day in America:
4 children are killed by abuse or neglect
5 children or teens commit suicide
8 children or teens are killed by firearms
192 children are arrested for violent crimes
383 children are arrested for drug abuse
2,261 high school students drop out
2,383 are confirmed abused or neglected
4,302 children are arrested
17,132 public school students are suspended
Children are at risk, and neighbors can help keep them safe.
Many police departments encourage citizen involvement through "Neighborhood Watch." Watching out for each other and reporting crime can stop destructive behavior.
When I worked as a county crime prevention coordinator I saw concerned citizens step out of the crowd, find their passion and change their community. One such person was Barbara, a mother with two small children.
Barbara was upset when she called me. The park across the street had been taken over by drug dealers, and the city council voted to erect a fence around the park. Barbara wanted police to secure the park for children. I explained that police resources were limited, with only two police officers for every 1,000 citizens. She was shocked and offered to go to the city council and demand more police.
After our discussion, she decided to go from door to door to encourage neighbors to form a citizens' patrol. They worked with police and became a visible presence in the park. Neighbors took down descriptions and recorded dates and times to document drug deals. Police made arrests. Persistence and patience paid off. Within three months the park was cleaned up and drug-free.
Barbara and her neighbors went to the city council to request the money for the fence be used to purchase playground equipment and new benches. Their request was granted.
Barbara continued her community work and raised funds for a senior citizens' center. The seniors became the new guardians of the park. When her children went off to school, Barbara ran for city council and eventually became mayor.
Another community builder I have had the pleasure to meet was Abraham, a retired construction worker. He saw neighborhood crime increasing, which threatened his grandchildren's safety. Armed with crime-prevention information, he visited every home in his area. He identified 21 block leaders who agreed to organize their neighborhoods. The word got out to vandals, burglars and gang members. Crime decreased dramatically within months.
Barbara and Abraham made a huge difference. They set an example and inspired others to help make neighborhoods safe. In the process, they strengthened families and created a network of support around children.
Anyone can create a healthy environment for children. Here are some ideas to help you make your community safer.
GET THE FACTS
Visit your police department. (Most police departments have a Web site.) Make an appointment with a crime-prevention officer and ask questions:
- What are the crime problems in my neighborhood?
- How many registered sex offenders live in our community?
- Do we have a block parent "safe house" program for children?
- How successful is our "Neighborhood Watch" program?
- What crime prevention information is available?
- Do you have a resource guide of community services?
- What teen prevention programs are available?
- Do we have a citizens' group or coalition of community members working to strengthen community involvement?
Talk to teachers, city council members and community leaders. People in different professions have different perspectives on youth safety.
STEP OUT OF THE CROWD
One person can mobilize and energize a community. When citizens learn what options exist for youth, they get involved and seek change. Community involvement restores hope, reduces social isolation and strengthens families.
You can be a leader. Consider bringing your neighbors together, joining an existing group, forming a youth safety group or starting a safety campaign.
Citizen involvement should be top priority. Neighbors who know each other can provide a network of mentors and role models for children. It is up to concerned citizens to take a leadership role and speak up for kids.
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Stephanie L. Mann is a crime and violence prevention consultant and author of "Alternatives to Fear: Guidelines to Safer Neighborhoods," which was sold to thousands of police departments around the country and helped popularize the Neighborhood Watch program. She can be reached at www.stephanielmann.com.
© Copley News Service
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