Rise In Youth Violence Prompts Creation Of Engagement Strategy Council

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A Youth Engagement Strategy Council has been created by county leaders as a "direct response to the urgent need for a more coordinated and proactive approach to youth engagement and violence prevention in Howard County."

The YES Council will be responsible for:

• Identifying resources across the county that serve youth in the areas of mentorship, mental health, workforce development, restorative justice and safe spaces and recommend areas where such resources may be inadequate;
• Recommending strategies to prevent youth violence and increase positive engagement, particularly among students identified as disengaged or underserved;
• Recommending possible collaborations between county government, community organizations and public institutions such as HCPSS, Howard Community College and the Columbia Association;
• Submitting a comprehensive report to the county executive on the progress of the Council summarizing actions taken, key insights and next steps no later than Dec. 1; and
• Conducting monthly meetings that will be open to the public.

"The recent violence we have seen in our county affecting young people has highlighted the important need to look deeper into root causes of youth violence. We must continue investing in prevention, intervention and community-based solutions to ensure that all our young people are safe and have a positive path forward. Our goal with YES! is to increase the diverse network of community providers who bring a well-rounded approach to addressing the prevention of violence by young people. This council will bring together young people, community-based organizations, public institutions, mental health organizations and county agencies to ensure that we meet this moment with urgency," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.