08/17/2024
I hope everyone is having a fun and safe Friday night. When you have a few minutes, please review my policy on youth violence prevention and mental health support.
YOUTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION:
The City of Roanoke has made progress in combating and prevention of gun violence, but we still have a ways to go. People should feel safe leaving their homes regardless of the time of day or night.
The brain does not fully develop until mid-20s, and as a result, children do not fully comprehend the consequences of their actions. Our youths need us to redirect them towards the right path.
That is why we need to partner with local organizations to provide mentorship and after-school programs for at-risk youth, implement school-based programs that teach conflict resolution and emotional intelligence and increase police presence in a non-invasive way to build trust between law enforcement and young residents.
We also need to create outdoor recreational facilities within walking distance of under-resourced neighborhoods. What good is an outdoor recreational facility that is 5 miles away, if the children lack transportation to get to the facility?
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT:
Mental health is a critical component in preventing youth violence. By providing adequate mental health support, we can help our youth navigate their challenges more effectively.
We need to ensure that every school has access to mental health counselors who can provide support to students, implement early intervention techniques, such as screening programs to identify and address mental health issues before they escalate and partner with local mental health organizations to provide resources and workshops for families and youth.
Let us REVITALIZE RESTORE RENEW ROANOKE together!
All positive comments are welcomed.