POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 131 INFORMATION SHARING Remember that each partner must be clear as to what forms of information they can provide. Further, any restrictions on the use of the information should be noted at the outset, and other partners must agree to respect these limitations. For example, some police data related to investigations cannot be shared. Social agencies and neighbourhood tenant groups may be concerned with protecting their clients. THE MEDIA The media is frequently considered a problem; it is blamed for presenting the public with an overly sensational and distorted picture of youth violence. In fact, the media usually reports what is provided to it by others - community leaders, police, young persons, and others. In many instances, journalists are given information on specific, isolated issues, without related information on the context of youth activities in a community. Many communities working to curb youth violence have decided to engage media representatives as partners in their community strategies. They consider the media a key partner in solving the problem, not as a source of the problem. Specific actions, such as ensuring that the media is regularly provided with information on youth violence are important. The media must also be made aware of positive measures - often youth driven to prevent violence. This is likely to result in balanced, accurate reporting, even when the media is dealing with a specific, serious incident. 7.0 DEVELOPING A RELEVANT RESPONSE Once you have determined the nature and extent of youth violence, and mobilized a community effort to respond to it, you need to determine the best ways to marshall appropriate program responses. Several suggestions arise from our study. DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE AND TAILORED RESPONSE Often specific youth-violence situations require a multifaceted response. The strategy you develop needs to address both the short- and long-term need to protect the public, allay the fear of crime and, most importantly, deal with the causes of violent crime. Thus, for example, chronic violent behaviour perpetrated by youth gangs in a school setting may require a range of responses to stop the violence, reduce victims' and others fears, and develop a safe learning environment. Focused intervention by criminal justice officials may initially be necessary. Charging, ensuring that clear bail conditions which restrict contact with the victim and witnesses are established and enforced, providing victim support, and ensuring adherence to sentences can be important. However, such measures need to be complimented with preventive initiatives, including responses to address the underlying causes of violence. RECOGNIZE THE FULL RANGE OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY It is harder and harder to find resources for organizations addressing youth violence. The traditional approach to responding to "new" concerns has often been premised on the expectation of acquiring new and more resource support. This approach no longer applies in many communities. Be creative. If the appropriate program response is not available, consider how it may be established with your community's existing resources. The results of our study suggest that communities can and have addressed "new" youth-violence concerns using existing resources. Youth-serving agencies are sharing training resources and- skills with teachers, police officers, and others to deal more effectively with aggressive youth. Interagency collaborative team approaches are being developed to address the needs of high-risk youth. Young people and parents are being encouraged to develop self-help initiatives, such as peer mediation, usually with the assistance of professionals. Mail owners are turning to recreational, employment and other programs for those young people who hang out on their property, rather than depending on security and law enforcement measured to "keep them out of the area". 8.0 COMMUNITY PROGRAM RESPONSES Our research has shown that many communities have already established successful programs for youth at risk of becoming involved in violent, criminal activity. Strategies include both preventive and law enforcement measures. A summary of various programs that are currently being implemented in communities across Canada is provided below. The programs are organized into six categories based on the groups responsible for their planning and implementation. These categories are: young people; the police; schools; businesses; community and youth-serving organizations; and municipalities. Bear in mind that opportunities exist for all members of the community to be involved. This list notes the most common programs currently being used. 8.1 Young People Young people share the same concerns as adults about community safety and crime prevention. Their involvement in the development of community responses to violence and crime is important. They have creative ideas to contribute. Many young people are now involved in crime prevention initiatives in their respective communities. These initiatives include: PARTICIPATION ON YOUTH COUNCILS AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES These councils, which are usually linked to larger city or community councils, are a forum through which young people can voice the concerns of youth and provide suggestions for preventing violence and crime in their communities. In addition, youth committees are often involved in planning and running special events, including sports nights and youth dances. YOUTH EDUCATING YOUTH continued...
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