Much of the juvenile crime in the country occurs after the school day ends. Once children leave the schoolhouse door, they often become vulnerable to dangerous influences, including drugs and gangs. Our youth need safe havens where they can continue to learn and grow in a safe and drug-free environment, removed from the violence, drugs and lack of supervision often found in communities across the country. President Clinton's strategy includes funding for 1,000 new after school programs across the country for schools to stay open after the school day ends, on weekends and during the summers. Schools that stay open longer can provide students, parents and communities with access to valuable resources.
Community schools can bring together home, school, and community to help educate our children.
Turning schools into after-hours safe havens can help to prevent violent crime and violent behavior while boosting our children's academic achievement. In Madison, Wisconsin, the city operates a Safe Haven after-school program for more than 200 children at three elementary schools with high crime and poverty rates. Program activities include homework assistance, supervised games and physical education, and field trips. In addition, each school incorporates conflict resolution such as peer mediation and the D.A.R.E. drug prevention program.