The Facts

ONE
The youth violence epidemic of the early 1990s is notover. Confidential self-reports show that the numbers of young peopleinvolved in some violent behaviors remain at epidemic levels.

TWO
Most children with mental and behavioral disorders do not become violent as adolescents.

THREE
Most children who are abused or neglected will not become violent.

FOUR
Most self-report data show that race and ethnicityhave little bearing on a young person’s participation in nonfatalviolent behavior.

FIVE
Juvenile offenders tried in adult criminal courts andincarcerated in prisons are more likely to commit felonies afterrelease than young people who remain in the juvenile justice system.

SIX
A number of prevention and early intervention programsthat meet very high scientific standards of effectiveness have beenidentified.

SEVEN
Weapons-related injuries in schools have notincreased dramatically in the last 5 years. Compared to neighborhoodsand homes, schools nationwide are relatively safe places for youngpeople.

EIGHT
Most young people involved in violent behavior will never be arrested for a violent crime.