By Anthony T., Teen Portal Staff Writer
Earlier this summer, the Youth Promise Act, a piece of new legislation aimed against gang and youth violence, came one step closer to becoming law. The act, introduced by Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) into the House of Representatives, is a stark difference from previous bills intended to combat the same issue. Instead of targeting individuals in gangs and seeking larger and longer punishments, the Youth Promise Act takes a step in the right direction in trying to solve the fundamental issues behind gang proliferation. (For information about the bill on Congressman Scott’s Website, click here).
Although gang activity seems reserved only to larger urban centers like Los Angeles and New York, the Washington D.C. area -- including Arlington -- is not free from gangs. Both D.C. and the neighboring suburbs in Maryland and Virginia have had problems with gang violence. MS-13, a street gang that originated from Los Angeles, has had a profound impact on our suburban communities and a variety of gangs have had a strong influence on the high youth homicide rate in D.C. Recently M-13 gang members were found guilty of a murder outside Springfield Mall. Arlington has its own Task Force dedicated to resolving gang violence.
So what has been done to stop this growing and seemingly indefatigable problem? In the past, local communities and jurisdictions have turned to harsher penalties for gang violence and individuals found to be participating in gangs. This approach was brought to the national stage in a house bill that sought tougher federal penalties against perpetrators of gang violence. However, this harsh method fails to address the underlying societal issues that give rise to gang growth and the subsequent rise in violence.
The Youth Promise Act recognizes these issues and aims to combat them using a multi-pronged approach. The legislation aims to set up programs to prevent gangs from growing. Such programs include providing more resources to organizations that deal with high-risk youths. In addition, the act aims to promote a healthier relationship between law enforcement and youth. Lastly, the act plans to set up central organizations that will compile data and statistics on gang violence.
The act is a definite step in the right direction in the fight against gangs. However, there are some drawbacks. One of my personal concerns is the large amount of money that is devoted to the act’s different programs. While I see the importance in each of the act’s programs, the money needed to fund them seems a bit much during these economic times. The act should be more streamlined and more specific in what programs will be set up and how many grants will be given out.
Even with its minor drawbacks, the Youth Promise Act remains the piece of legislation with the most potential in cracking down gang violence. Its approach veers away from the traditional hard-line style and instead, aims to suppress, educate, and prevent. Hopefully, Congress will think the same about the bill and bring it one step closer to becoming law.
