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Youth Violence Prevention in Metropolitan Richmond
Prepared for the Jenkins Foundation, August 2006
Overview
This report attempts to describe the context of the youth violence problem in Metropolitan Richmond in 2006. It considers the continuum of services for children and their families from birth to late adolescence, across all major domains of influence. Findings of recent needs assessments at the state, regional and local levels are presented, including information about program resources. Major issues and needs were identified by key informants, some of whom also recommended additional materials or drafted specific suggestions for review.
Major Themes
The report’s major themes can be summarized as follows:
- Issues related to youth violence are primarily systems-level;
- Planning and evaluation systems are critical components of any solution;
- Engagement of all key stakeholders is an essential process;
- A full-continuum of multi-contextual services is required;
- Interventions that have scientific evidence of effectiveness are available;
- Family-focused services are best provided in neighborhoods; and,
- Agency networks and community-based coalitions can multiply resources and impact.