Don't Look Away: A Generation At Risk

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When young people find themselves isolated and without essential support systems, they go down some dangerous paths. Many communities around the nation are seeing a rise in violent crime among youth—and it’s more serious than ever. We take you inside the crisis and highlight solutions. You’ll hear from prosecutors, judges, outreach workers, and teens who’ve lived it. 

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic — as schools closed, community programs were disrupted, and families found themselves under increased stress — many young people became vulnerable to negative influences and started engaging in risky behaviors. They started to feel more anxious and turned to guns for protection and substances for relief. 

We’ll explore how communities are tackling this challenge, spotlighting innovative solutions designed not only to reduce juvenile crime but also to create pathways to brighter futures. We’ll hear from people directly involved in the juvenile justice system about what’s working, what’s not, and how we can bring hope back to families. 

With the proper resources and guidance, the damage can be mitigated, but we must take action before things spiral out of control. 

Featured in this episode:

• Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam

• Billie Jean Mayben of the Youth Empowerment Project in Little Rock

• Arkansas Division of Youth Services Director Michael Crump

• Arkansas Division of Youth Services Assistant Director of Treatment Kimberly Key-Bell

• Arkansas Division of Youth Services Assistant Director of Prevention Adrian Sanders

Smart Justice is a production of Restore Hope. Executive Director is Paul Chapman. Associate Directors are Karen Phillips and Sarah Littleton. 

Executive producer of the podcast is Karen Tricot Steward. Videography and production by Ti King. 

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