This week, the Baltimore City Health Department released a new study on youth violence that, for the first time, provides a window into the lives of youth involved in violence in Baltimore City.
 
This comprehensive report sends a clear message: By doing more to intervene in the lives of troubled youth very early on, we can help prevent them from becoming future victims and perpetrators of violence.
 
We can see, from the study, that youth who eventually become a perpetrator or victim of violence are chronically truant from school for at least one year.  Also, these youth are more likely to have a report of being abused or neglected, or have contact with the Department of Juvenile Justice. The warning signs appear as early as first grade.
 
I applaud the government agencies that provided the data to make this report possible: the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore City Public Schools, the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office, Courts and Judicial Proceedings - Family and Juvenile Court, and the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. This spirit of collaboration must continue for any real change to take place. That's why I'm urging all the child-serving agencies to find ways to better communicate and strategize on new interventions for reaching at-risk youth.
 
The work is already underway. On Wednesday, I convened a city-wide Steering Committee to oversee our Strategy to Improve Birth Outcomes in Baltimore City that was launched in April. We know that the cost of poor birth outcomes can translate into lost lives, social injustice, decreased productivity and costly interventions. Using community-based collaborations to build strong and healthy families reduces the chances a child will suffer a violent fate.
 
The initial results of this work will occur within three years, but its impact will be felt for years to come. I believe the steps we are taking today will improve our quality of life for many years to come by keeping us on our path to a safer Baltimore.  To learn more about positive activities for our children, visit www.peacebaltimore.com or text "PEACE" to 79685.
 
I wish you all a safe, healthy Labor Day weekend.
 
Sincerely,

Sheila Dixon
Mayor, Baltimore