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HomeMy WebLinkAbout011006 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.