YOUTH IN CRISIS
Schools are a microcosm of the wider society and should reflect the best values of our constitutional democracy. Schools need to eliminate zero tolerance policies and make the long-haul effort of listening to students on a day to day basis, and embarking with them on an explanation of the root causes of the violence engulfing many young people.Students should be taught the value of an education, and not consigned to do without one as soon as they make a single mistake.
According to the 2000 census, CT youths ages 5-17 years of age make up 18% of the states population
„
„
„
Every 3 minutes a student is suspended
„
CT youth who are suspended for drug offenses stay out of school longer than youth suspended for violent conduct (the perpetuation of "boys will be boys")
„
In 2003-2004 CT handed out 1,363 suspensions to 898 youngsters in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten & first grade for violence, threats or weapons
„
CT Expulsion Rates of 3 & 4 year olds ranks 7th among the 40 states that fund preschool
*4 year olds at a higher rate than 3 year olds
*boys at a higher rate than girls
*blacks at a higher rate than whites
(expulsions where the result of multiple aggressive behaviors toward other children, teachers or property)
„
The # 1 ranked problem of children in CT detention centers is school at 86%
*#2- drugs 65%
*#3-behavioral 58%
*#4 Alcohol 51%
*#5 psychiatric/psychological 34%
*The prevalence of mental health problems among youth in CT's detention centers is 3 to 4 times greater than among other youth their age
* On any given day between 3 to 7 youth in CT detention centers are on suicide precautions
„
The percentage of serious emotional problems of girls and boys in CT's residential care is far in excess of statewide and national average rates
„
In CT, the age of juvenile court jurisdiction goes to the 16th birthday. CT is one of only 3 states which send its 16 year olds into the adult criminal system
„
*330 plus 400 in detention or secure residential placement
See the CT Uniform Crime Reports to get an overview of youth crime in our state. Note the gender ratios and types of crimes
Violence is a gender issue not just in CT, but across the Nation. There are eight and a half tmes more males than females in local jails (USDJ 2002)