September 2006

A recent newspaper article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel sheds light on the growing epidemic of youth violence in Palm Beach County.

Criminal justice officials in the area are looking to spend at least $6.8 million for programs to steer troubled youths away from drug abuse, joblessness, gangs and hostile behavior.

Local crime data show that the fastest-growing age group for murderers is 20 to 24-year-olds, and that is expected to rise steadily in the next five years, the commission found.

The report also noted that nearly 85 percent of violent offenders have arrests records by age 30. Max Davis, chairman of the county Criminal Justice Commission said, "If you think this is expensive, try doing nothing."

The overall consensus is that it will cost much to reach high-risk youth... but it will cost much more to not reach them!

Breakaway staff person Kevin Brown, who also lives in West Palm Beach, is kicking off a series of campaigns to help curb the vicious cycle of juvenile crime in South Florida and reach out to high-risk youth.

The Resurektion Tour, which will begin this weekend in juvenile detention centers throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Okeechobee Counties, will be a cutting-edge presentation of the Gospel using music and arts to steer kids toward a relationship with Christ.

More than 90% of these youth inmates will be returning to their communities within the next 12 months so there is an urgency to reach them now.

Kevin is also networking volunteers and churches to get them more involved with juvenile detention center programs in the areas of mentoring, discipleship, and aftercare solutions for kids being released from correctional institutions.

If you'd like more information on how to get involved, contact us at (423) 559-9649.