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Youth Violence: A Complicated Policy Network For A Complex Problem

ABSTRACT The problem of youth violence has permeated all areas of the nation: cities, suburbs and rural areas. Recent episodes of school shootings in particular have resulted in reactive policy initiatives as a response to concerns for public safety and increasing rates of juvenile gun violence. But youth violence is shown to be a complex problem, with multiple causes and effects that will require a multifaceted approach. Currently, youth policies address this devastating problem with a residual network consisting mainly of juvenile justice and child welfare policies, that has been described as fragmented, inadequate, and inefficient. This paper analyzes the background of those policies, their conflicted value base, and their impact on vulnerable children and youth. Despite the pressure for more punitive policies, there is a need to explore alternative policy approaches that may better respond to the complexity of the problem. Given the nature of youth violence, a network approach may, in fact, be best suited for a multi-level, multimodal response, with some overall coordination and targeted strategies. Further social research and social work practice can assist in the development of more effective policy response.