Too often youth are seen as ‘the problem’ when many youth have already endured more hardships than some adults face in their lifetime.  As a city, our task is to help ensure youth’s wellbeing and their growth into successful adults. Many youth are victims of violence directly or indirectly. Nationally, youth under 25 years of age have the highest rates of homicide and violent crime victimization. For example, poor birth outcomes related to smoking, drugs, lead poisoning, witnessing domestic violence, and child abuse can affect a child’s development. In turn, they increase the likelihood of a child becoming a delinquent or adult offender.

Thirty-two percent!  That’s how much the teenage birth rate in Baltimore City has dropped since 2009, surpassing the Healthy Baltimore 2015 goal of a 20 percent reduction.  Our youth, through their voices in the city’s Know What U Want, U CHOOSE campaign, are playing a critical role in this success.

Domestic Violence is a serious public health problem that often starts in adolescence.  In understanding adolescent development, we know that adolescents often develop behavioral norms by observing acceptable behaviors, consequences or reactions of those close to them. Once looked at as acceptable behavior, teen dating violence is beginning to gain national attention as an issue that must be addressed early in a child’s development.

The job of a caregiver is one of the most challenging roles anyone will undertake.  Unfortunately, there is no step-by-step manual that someone can read on what it takes to keep a loved one safe and well once he or she has serious medical problems. Typically, caregivers are family members or friends who provide emotional, physical and practical support. But what about the well-being of the caregiver and their need for service?