One such kid is Tommy, a 10-year old who arrived at school last year with a large knife. He planned to use it to kill a first and a second grader who had jumped his little brother. He was arrested and placed in an afternoon program that helps him deal with his violent emotions. Studies show that kids like Tommy who attend the program are less likely to commit more crimes than children who are sentenced to probation without an intervention program. And over the last four years, the community has seen a decrease in children s anxieties.
Children feel more secure at home, at school and in their communities.
As a result, fewer children are being hurt, and fewer knives are being carried to school. Overall crime statistics show that since 1991, violent crime in New Haven is down 35 percent, while nationwide it was down about 8 percent. There have also been fewer juvenile arrests for murder and juvenile auto theft is down 67 percent. Eight other cities are planning to start programs based on the New Haven program. All Rights Reserved.