John J. Wilson, Acting Administrator	March 2000

Violent Neighborhoods, Violent Kids Marcia R. Chaiken Introduction Study Design and Methods Findings Comparative Analysis Policy Implications: What Can Be Done for Boys in DC? Conclusion References Acknowledgments Points of view or opinions expressed in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of OJJDP or the U.S. Department of Justice. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, and the Office for Victims of Crime.

From the Administrator Delinquency poses a serious challenge to virtually every major American city. This Bulletin features findings from the LINC study that describe the characteristics of delinquent males in our Nation's Capital and the resources available to them. Finding little difference between serious, violent juvenile offenders in the District of Columbia and those in other cities, the author argues that existing national research can serve as a catalyst for new initiatives to reduce juvenile violence in the District. Indeed, since the LINC research was completed, the District has reorganized its funding delivery system for juvenile justice and delinquency prevention efforts. As a result, enhanced Federal and local resources will be available for youth-serving agencies to develop new policies, practices, and service delivery programs. OJJDP and other Federal agencies are partnering with the District to provide technical assistance and other resources as it designs and implements an improved juvenile justice system. Thus, while this Bulletin presents some disturbing findings about the nature and incidence of juvenile delinquency in the District of Columbia, it also offers considerable hope for the future. John J. Wilson Acting Administrator