NCJ Number
160085
Editor(s)
P A Witt,
J L Crompton
Date Published
1996
Length
90 pages
Annotation
Twenty-one program profiles describe the work of public park and recreation systems nationwide in addressing the needs of youth in settings and circumstances that often pose a higher than average chance of academic failure or personal harm.
Abstract
Perhaps no part of the crime-prevention debate is less understood than the combined impact of discretionary time; boredom; lack of leisure literacy; and the absence of positive, caring role models, parents, or otherwise. Countering these influences are the citizen advocates, public policymakers, and professionals who each day provide recreation places and services that diminish the likelihood of crime. The programs described in this booklet include those that focus on gang prevention and intervention, academic enhancement, natural resource leadership training, substance abuse prevention, community empowerment, employment training and entrepreneurship, and artistic enrichment. The programs are replicable, cost-effective, and results-oriented. The programs and their settings illustrate the potential for collaboration, shared leadership, and community support to redress complicated social problems and foster the healthy development of young people. In most of the programs, the public park and recreation department is the lead agency, as it coordinates the resources and expertise of other public agencies, private organizations, businesses, and residents. Key players include police, schools, public health, parents, and youth. 9 references and a list of program contacts