Max Cleland: “Although data show juvenile violent crime decreased in the late 1990s, appearing to counter the predictions of a teenage…”

“Although data show juvenile violent crime decreased in the late 1990s, appearing to counter the predictions of a teenage crime wave, criminologists and policymakers remain concerned about the continued high level of juvenile violence. The tragic shooting at Heritage High School in Conyers coupled with the incident in Littleton, Colorado and the other recent senseless shootings in our Nation's schools serve as terrible indications of the seriousness of the youth violence problem. I have traveled throughout Georgia, speaking and exchanging ideas with students, teachers and parents regarding this critical issue. Although there is certainly no one answer to the problem of youth violence, I believe that an open dialogue among educators, students, community leaders, and law enforcement officials is a crucial first step. In fact, a report issued by the Department of Education in August, 1998, entitled 'Early Warning, Early Response,' concluded that the reduction and prevention of school violence are best achieved through safety plans which: involve the entire community; emphasize both prevention and intervention; train school personnel, parents, students, and community members to recognize the early warning signs of potential violent behavior and to share their concerns or observations with trained personnel; establish procedures which allow rapid response and intervention when such signs are identified; and provide adequate support and access to services for troubled students.”