The publication includes reports from the mayors of 30 American cities on their efforts to combat youth violence.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors asked the leaders of 30 cities for their help in developing a report which can be used as a tool to prevent and respond to youth crime. This report describes the problems they encountered and the practices and programs they found most helpful. It highlights the need for collaborative efforts, including partnerships with schools, police, and municipal stakeholders, as well as strong community relations and the development of personal connections with young people. Though the approaches varied, there was consensus on the importance of all stakeholders working together – including not only teachers, counselors, police and city administrators, but business leaders, parents, clergy, and the young people themselves. All who participated in the development of this report also agreed that communication, trust, and caring, positive relationships are vital to the prevention of youth violence. The focus of most initiatives is more on prevention than on punishment, supporting programs such as restorative justice, which can help youthful offenders reform and adopt more productive means of dealing with anger. These approaches reflect community policing principles.