Sally Peck got her letter to the editor published in the Observer!
Thanks Sally!
Between 23 – 36% of teenagers admit they have
committed a serious violent offense by age 17. Homicide remains a leading cause
of death among youth age 10-24. We need to deal with at-risk teenagers
differently, and we have an opportunity to do so with the passage of the Youth
PROMISE Act (S1307 & HR1308).
PROMISE is an acronym for Prison Reduction
through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support and Education. It would fund proven, locally controlled,
evidence-based violence prevention programs. A Pennsylvania program investing
in at-risk youth saves $5 for each $1 spent.
This bi-partisan bill has the support of
local law enforcement, the US Conference of Mayors and state and local
governments.
Years ago, my elderly mother was murdered in
her home by a neighbor youth. The programs that the Youth PROMISE Act would
provide may have prevented this tragedy.
Please urge your Congressmen to co-sponsor this bill.
