CRIMINAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

YOUTH VIOLENCE AND JUVENILE JUSTICE

WHEREAS, there is significant concern in the nation about juveniles and violence -- concern about young people, both as perpetrators and as victims of crime; and

WHEREAS, the recent series of youth shootings at schools, such as in West Paducah (KY), Jonesboro (AR), Edinboro (PA), and Springfield (OR), highlights the growing problem of youth violence across the nation; and

WHEREAS, Congress is considering legislation intended to address that concern which would provide greater resources to state and local governments but impose certain requirements on them which may make it extremely difficult to take advantage of those increased resources; and

WHEREAS, despite the fact that new studies continue to confirm that prevention programs with effective elements can prevent crime, that prevention is cost-effective and that after-school programs can keep children safe from crime and out of trouble, the legislation currently moving through Congress does not include adequate funding for prevention programs; and

WHEREAS, a significant role in the legislation for mayors and other local officials is critical to assuring that the funding gets to where it is needed most and that it is used to address local needs, that it is used in concert with other resources which are being used to address problems relating to juvenile crime,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports juvenile crime legislation which is flexible both in what requirements states must meet to receive the funds and in for what purposes the funds may be used. Specifically the legislation should:

• not impose such burdensome requirements on receipt of the federal funds that states may opt not to accept it, such as onerous record-keeping requirements, yet maintain certain basic protections for children, such as the current requirement that those in detention be held separate from adult inmates;

• specify a substate allocation formula so that funds are disbursed within the states in accordance with need;
  
• increase the portion of the funds which may be used for prevention and treatment, and assure that there is sufficient funding available for these purposes;

• include a series of graduated sanctions for offenses committed by young people;

• allow the release of a juvenile’s fingerprints and photograph only after conviction of a violent felony;

• specify a role for mayors in appointing local groups to develop local initiatives;

• allow the funds to be used for juvenile diversion and other local law enforcement activities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is important to recognize that existing law enforcement assistance programs, particularly the COPS program and the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant, have been effective tools in reducing youth crime and preventing and responding to juvenile violence.