Youth Crime
Goal: Decrease the number of juvenile arrests and increase access to educational programs.
Measure
The number of children (ages 10-16 in out of home care-delinquency (DHS placement) and total arrests by type of crime for 10-16 years and 17 year olds.
Why This Indicator is Important
Incidence of youth crime is an indicator of more general community health. Communities characterized by significant occurrence of youth crime, especially violent crime, are more likely to be communities at risk. Such communities might not offer adequate opportunity to its young citizens.
How Are We Doing?
In “out of home care-delinquency” the state rate has remained at 2 per 1,000 children ages 10-16 while Saginaw County’s rates has decreased to 0.8 per 1,000 children.
In violent crimes committed by minors, Michigan’s rate, like Saginaw County’s, has increased by 20% (2003-2006).
In property crimes committed, Saginaw saw an incremental increase while the state increased sharply in 2006.
In Saginaw County, minors are committing fewer misdemeanors while the state has remained steady. These numbers, however, need to be examined in the context of the reduction of population among minors in Michigan and Saginaw County. Thus, although numbers remain fairly consistent across the state and county, the reality is that rates have increased sharply among minors committing crimes at the same time that those rates have decreased among adults.
In violent crimes committed by minors, Michigan’s rate, like Saginaw County’s, has increased by 20% (2003-2006).
In property crimes committed, Saginaw saw an incremental increase while the state increased sharply in 2006.
In Saginaw County, minors are committing fewer misdemeanors while the state has remained steady. These numbers, however, need to be examined in the context of the reduction of population among minors in Michigan and Saginaw County. Thus, although numbers remain fairly consistent across the state and county, the reality is that rates have increased sharply among minors committing crimes at the same time that those rates have decreased among adults.
How Can You Have An Impact?
- The Department of Education reports that youths are most likely to commit crimes between 2pm and 8pm, with crime rates peaking after school at in sports, recreational programs, and other after school clubs and activities.
3pm. Encourage children to participate
- Know who your child’s closest peers are.
- Help your children succeed in school by taking an active role in parenting.
- Teach your child about the negative effects of drugs, theft, weapons, and gangs.
- Become a youth mentor.
- Partner with an organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters and make a positive difference in a child’s life.
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