Overall crime and gun violence have dropped across New York, but incidents involving young teens remain a concern in upstate communities, where local leaders are working to keep kids engaged.
Arrests and criminal activity involving people under age 18 rose 7% statewide between 2023 and 2025, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services. The trends varied by county. Monroe County saw a 19% decrease and Dutchess County a 47% decrease, while Erie County saw a 7% increase and Albany County a 5% increase.
David Graham, who works in youth outreach at the YMCA, said free programming for teens has changed significantly over the past 26 years. What began as Saturday evening Teen Nites has grown into new ways of delivering services. Last year, the YMCA launched Y on the Fly, a mobile vehicle that brings activities to young people in their own neighborhoods.
“When we realize there’s kids we’re not reaching, we come up with innovation and we’re able to reach them,” Graham said.
He also said more work remains, especially across the broader community. He would like to see other community spaces identified for young people to use.
“I think us that know what’s in the community, we need to be intentional and strategic on helping the kids find their way in and see what’s in front of them,” he said.
Pastor Charles Gresham, chair of Albany’s Violence Prevention Task Force, said a decline in volunteers and mentors makes structured programs even more necessary.
“Volunteerism as it relates to mentorship is consistently decreasing,” Gresham said. “So formalized programs are in desperate need.”
Gresham said outreach is critical and urged residents to get involved.
“We need every single person that has a good conscience and wants to see their communities better to just grab that young person that you do know, spend time with them,” he said. “Young people are looking for belonging. It’s going to take all of us to take care of all of us.”
Source: spectrumlocalnews.com
