011006 Human Rights Comm.
Presentation to City Council
January 1 0, 2006
Several incidents of youth violence in Virginia
Beach prompted citizen concern.
With the Mayor's support, the Human Rights
Commission (HRC) established the Youth
Community Outreach Subcommittee (YCOS)
in April 2005.
William A. Dyson, D. Min. - Chair, Human Rights
Commission
The Honorable Randall M. Blow- Judge, Juvenile &
Domestic Relations Cou rt
A. M. Jaeoeks, Jr. - Chief, Police Department
Terry Jenkins, Ph.D. - Director, Human Services Department
Carolyn Li neol n- Community Leader; Chair, Social Services
Advisory Board
Keith Farrar - Parent/Citizen
Kathleen O'Hara Phipps - Assistant Superintendent, Media
& Communications, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Mike MeGee- Director, Office of Student Leadership Virginia
Beach City Public Schools
John Kaloeay - Assistant Superintendent, Administrative
Support Services, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Bruce Bright - Director, Juvenile Court Services
Marcy Sims - Director, Virginia Beach Public Libraries
Dr. Agnes Moon - Human Rights Commissioner
Cindy Curtis - Director, Parks & Recreation Department
Alicia Fernandez-Bobulinski - Human Rights Commissioner
Pete Withers - Administrator, Juvenile Detention Center
A number of related issues and concerns
were identified that may influence, contribute,
or serve as underlying causes of
inappropriate youth behavior patterns.
Breakdown of family social
structure
Lack of parenting skills
Parents with mental health/
substance abuse issues
Adults in authority (i.e. teachers,
counselors) fear youth violence
Parental violence/abuse
Youth have power to make
complaint against parents
Parents cautious to use authority
"Latch-key kids"/older siblings as
childcare for younger children
No sense of consequences for
actions
Lack of values and respect for
authority
Lack of role models
Peer influence
Media/internet/video game
influence
Lack of programs after
school/summer
Lack of youth mentoring
Truancy, promiscuity, drug/alcohol
abuse
Gang and "want-to-be" related
activities
"Going to jail" glamorized
To establish a long-term strategy to address
inappropriate behavior of youth (under the age
of 18) who are at risk of becoming involved in
the criminal justice system.
Evaluate environmental factors influencing
behavior (i.e. schools, homes & community).
Review and evaluate current programs and
services in Virginia Beach.
Identify any gaps in our programs and services.
Families, communities and youth-related organizations
resolve inappropriate behavior using processes and
protocols regarding youth issues.
Families work with schools regarding student behavior
and academic performance.
Families have access to affordable, organized
community activities for all youths.
Legal constraints - confidentiality law 16.1-300
hinders the continuity of communication among
organizations related to youth issues.
Lack of community awareness of services and
programs related to youth.
Increase communication among agencies
working with at-risk youth.
Request support from City Council,School
Board, community groups and other
stakeholders to initiate:
Request financial support from City Council
and School Board to assist with the
"Developmental Assets Survey Initiative".
Increase community awareness of youth
.
services programs.
Request legislative advocacy from City
Council and School Board for increased
funding of programs (currently with limited
availability/capacity) for youth with:
Appropriate leaders, agencies and City
departments facilitate continuous dialogue on
youth violence.