Thursday August 27^th, 2009

NLC to Highlight City Innovations at White House

During a White House Conference on Gang Violence and Crime Control held earlier this week, the National League of Cities (NLC) joined mayors, law enforcement officials, community groups, foundations, and scholars to discuss effective strategies for preventing criminal activity and eliminating the destructive influence of gangs in our nation's cities and towns.

"We are pleased to be part of this important conference and look forward to having a dialogue with the Administration," said Donald J. Borut, executive director of NLC. "This conference is an excellent opportunity for cities and the federal government to learn from one another and find ways to partner in collaborative crime prevention efforts."
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Mentally Ill Offenders Strain Juvenile System

(The New York Times) –– "As cash–starved states slash mental health programs in communities and schools, they are increasingly relying on the juvenile corrections system to handle a generation of young offenders with psychiatric disorders. About two–thirds of the nation's juvenile inmates –– who numbered 92,854 in 2006, down from 107,000 in 1999 –– have at least one mental illness, according to surveys of youth prisons."

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Priest's Anti–Gang Program in Budget Crisis

LOS ANGELES – The Rev. Greg Boyle has walked through gunfire to quell gang violence, gotten sworn enemies to work peacefully together and redeemed hardcore criminals. But he never thought money would be the downfall of the nation's largest anti–gang program.

After Friday, however, all bets are off at Homeboy Industries. The Roman Catholic priest's 21–year–old effort to rehabilitate gang members by offering jobs, counseling and schooling, will run out of cash – the result of an economic recession that has ripped a $5 million hole in the nonprofit's budget this year. Read More

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Summer Youth Employment Hits 64–Year Low

Only 29.1 Percent of Teens Have Jobs; More Federal Spending Urged

According to a new study by Northeastern University labor economist Andy Sum more federal spending is needed. Read More

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