Reporting Child Maltreatment by Nonprofessionals: Obligatory or Discretionary?

Abstract

A newer program, founded in 2009, Strategies for Youth (SFY) is a national organization that "exists solely for the purpose of improving police-youth interactions, advancing the cause of training public safety officers in the science of child and youth development and mental health, and supporting communities partnering to promote strong police/ youth relationships.Bearing in mind that both the traditional and community policing models are not monolithic, and a one-size-fits-all approach is assuredly not the answer, here are some suggestions: * Periodically hold meetings between police and human services agencies in order to serve as a bridge between youth, the community, and agencies. "When we expose them to after-school engagement, competence-building and peer leadership programs, to mental health/crisis intervention and immigrant services, they react with relief to know that there are partners in the community eager to work with youth, to get them off the street, and to support officers' efforts to keep youth safe and on productive tracks.