Youth violence: From the eyes of grandparents

Grandparents speak out about the causes and consequences of youth violence in their Chicago neighborhood.  They suggest ways in which this social problem can be addressed from their perspective as well.  These grandparents receive support in helping them raise their grandchildren through the Sankofa Safe Child Initiative.

Youth at Risk Stepping Towards a Promising Future with Mentors

Children in many parts of Chicago experience challenges in their neighborhoods.  Many of these were showcased in Alex Kotlowitz's book, There Are No Children Here, who is highlighted in this video.  However, mentorship programs can have a significant impact on the lives of children and teenagers.  Enlace Chicago is one of source of these services in Little Village -- their work makes a difference in steering kids away from risk and instead towards brighter futures.

Perspectives on youth violence

Community members discuss youth violence, especially its implications for young African American men.  The documentary then profiles programs offered by BUILD, Inc. which has worked in some of Chicago's toughest neighborhoods giving at-risk youth alternatives to the violence.

Why After School Matters: Better Boys Foundation

Learn about the Better Boys Foundation and why after school programs matter for stemming the impact of community violence on the lives of teens in Chicago.

Violence in Chicago Public Schools: Is there hope?

City and state officials visit the current cohort of Roosevelt University undergraduates who are learning about youth violence in Chicago and making a difference in the community.


Recent guests have included Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter (left; center of photo) as well as Jody Weis, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department (below).

Youth Violence in Chicago: An Intimate Look

The Initiative for Child and Family Studies at Roosevelt University is proud to announce the publication of Youth Violence in Chicago: An Intimate Look, available for preview and purchase through Blurb.com.

This book offers an in depth look at the violence affecting children and adolescents growing up in Chicago. Through photographs and first hand accounts, the gravity of this problem is vivid and undeniable. Interviews with students, parents, activists, victims, perpetrators, probation offers, judges and many others who are integrated into these systems contribute to the quotes included within this book. The pictures were taken in the schools, neighborhoods and communities that Chicago youth learn, grow, socialize and function within on a daily basis. The struggles facing these individuals are apparent and the perspectives offered are unique and based on their personal experiences. The intention of this publication is to increase awareness and motivate others to help make a difference. These communities can benefit from financial assistance, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. Integration of services and programs into the lives of these youth can have substantial, long-lasting effects. Those who read this book are encouraged to become involved in their own way - be it through volunteering with an organization mentioned in this publication or through other means. Youth need support in countless ways, and hopefully awareness of these needs will inspire action.

Violence in Chicago neighborhoods

Youth Violence Teach-In

The Department of Psychology, the Initiative for Child and Family Studies, and the Gage Gallery are partnering to offer a teach-in on youth violence to the Roosevelt University community. The teach-in will be held on Thursday, December 10 from 2:30-4:30 pm at the Roosevelt University Gage Gallery, 18 S. Michigan Avenue.

Roosevelt University students from Professor Steven Meyers’ seminar on youth violence course will showcase images and sound files that document the scope of youth violence in Chicago. Students from Chicago Public Schools will share their first-hand experiences with community violence. Photojournalist Carlos Javier Ortiz, whose work on community violence is currently on display at the Roosevelt University Gage Gallery, will make connections between his work and the work of the students. The event will culminate in an advocacy letter writing campaign to state senators, representatives and aldermen.

Witness Roosevelt University faculty and students and members of the community as they join to increase awareness and promote social justice in action.  This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Steven Meyers, Professor of Psychology, at smeyers@roosevelt.edu

Students Learning How to Advocate for Change

On September 17, 2009, Illinois State Representative Will Burns (26th District) spoke to the second cohort of undergraduates at Roosevelt University who will be learning about youth violence in Chicago and how to speak out for change to address this social problem.

Youth Violence in Chicago Communities

What is happening to children in our community?

Juvenile Justice and Youth Violence

Are there effective juvenile justice responses to youth violence?

Violence and Schools

How does violence affect the lives of children in their schools?

Roosevelt University students reach out to reduce youth violence

On September 18th, Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti (2nd Ward) spoke to Roosevelt University students enrolled in a service-learning seminar taught by Prof. Steven Meyers that addresses the issue of youth violence. In this course students not only explore youth violence in the community but also advocate for policies and programs to enhance children's well-being.

Children's drawings of violent experiences

clipped from www.suntimes.com Half of middle-grade students at three Chicago schools said it. Their greatest fear? Guns or "getting shot." In a three-part series, the Chicago Sun-Times explores the toll of the violence plaguing Chicago Public School students through the words and art of those who know best -- the children.

Children's drawings of violent experiences

clipped from www.suntimes.com