IMPACT MATTERS

Addressing the Problem of Adult and Juvenile Crime

Crime is a growing problem in our communities. While the U.S. crime rate is dropping for both violent and property crimes, Utah is seeing increased property crime, and our violent crime rate has not decreased in years. Adult and juvenile crime is one of the 17 priority problems identified in United Way of Salt Lake’s (UWSL) 2007 Community Assessment.

Adult and juvenile crime is a complex problem because there are so many different causes of crime. Therefore, addressing the problem of crime requires efforts on many fronts: early intervention programs, access to protective orders, domestic violence prevention, substance abuse treatment and prevention, youth mentoring, access to mental health services, and employment services…just to name a few!

Dozens of UWSL Community Partners, directly or indirectly, help to reduce crime or its impacts in our area, and we applaud these efforts. Unfortunately, there are too many Community Partners to acknowledge within this space. Preventing juvenile crime is of critical importance, both for the health of our community and for our youth, many of whom need additional support and resources to transition to adulthood and self-sufficiency. Here are just a few successful results:

Mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah gives children and teens the self-confidence to make healthy choices. The parents of youth involved in this program report significant behavioral changes: 81 percent noted an improvement in their child’s attitude towards school; 74 percent reported improved academic performance; 61 percent reported that their child had avoided delinquency, and 72 percent said their child had an improved sense of the future.

Incarcerated adolescents are given the opportunity to participate in scouting through Boy Scouts of America, Greater Salt Lake Council. Youth who are in detention at the Salt Lake Valley Juvenile Detention Center—up to 30 a week—participate in character-building activities and learn about the importance of citizenship and positive civic behavior.

Treatment is another important aspect of preventing juvenile crime. Youth Support Systems provides a variety of treatment programs, such as Project ABLE, an intensive outpatient treatment program for adolescents at risk of removal from their homes. After discharge from this program, 91 percent of youth had a reduction in legal charges or offenses and 82 percent reported a decrease in the amount of conflict in their lives and an improved ability to resolve conflict.

Youth Support Systems’ Project Link is a drug and alcohol prevention program for youth. Adolescents attend skills development classes, recreation activities and service projects that expose them to new experiences and resources in their community. Parents attend parent groups, family groups and recreation activities with their youth. Parents also learn how to monitor their child’s school progress, as well as effective disciplinary methods.

As a community, we are making great strides in combating crime. UWSL hopes you will lend your support to community-based efforts that can help stem the tide of adult and juvenile crime in our area.