|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Editorial
Editorial Archives
Friday, February 4, 2004; Page 18
Saving D.C. Youths Must Start Now
It is extremely positive when the majority of D.C. city officials, non-profit organizations, community groups and youths can agree that services provided for young people living in the District of Columbia are in need of significant improvement. Mayor Anthony Williams and Chief Charles Ramsey thought it important enough to appear before the D.C. City Council this week to give account of what this administration has attempted to do to help the youth of this city, and to take responsibility for their failings.
Maybe it is a new day in the District when the focus of the city’s resources is finally being place on our young people. The timing couldn’t be any better. Gone, hopefully, are the days when plans are discussed about what to do with young people during the summer on the day before they are released from school for the summer; or when major changes are announced about the academic year on the day after the school year has already begun.
When it comes to addressing the issues of young people in D.C., it can’t get any worse. Chief Ramsey has issued the warning sign by alerting everyone of the increase in the juvenile murder rate in D.C. last year, while, at the same time, the overall murder rate declined.
Tyrone Parker expressed it simply when he told members of the D.C. City Council what children need to stay out of trouble. “They need L-O-V-E!” he said, “and it’s that simple.” Not jail or long stays in poorly managed detention centers, but hands-on attention, direction and care. More money is not the answer, either. The money has been made available, but too many who have received it are not fulfilling their commitment to the children, and they can do it because no one is looking.
Monday’s council hearing sounded promising that all parties affected are determined to create a recipe for success when it comes to raising young people in the city. No more posturing and pontificating over victims at funerals, the time to walk the walk and talk the talk with our city’s youths is now. |
|
|
|