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Over the last month, The Dean's List has been knee deep in community issues, meeting with law enforcement, clergy and various leaders in Rochester. One thing we all agree on is that the violence must stop! The thing that we can't agree on is how.
We all agree that the "Zero Tolerance" policy is working and support it fully. Unfortunately, it can't last forever because of the $55K a day price tag. The good thing is the weather is changing and crime historically calms down the colder it gets. Let's use the cold snap to put a plan in place for Spring.
The Dean's List has obtained a copy of the book, "Adult Guide to Youth Services" - a directory published by Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau. The cover states, "Resources, services, support and good ideas for parents and others who care about kids in Monroe County". Funding for the directory was made possible by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and Monroe County.
The directory contains information and contact phone numbers for everything you can imagine. Items included (list not all inclusive): AID/HIV, Counseling, Employment, Pregnancy, Suicide, Health Care, Homework Help, Child Care, etc. It's loaded with numerous agencies to help our youth with all of their needs. The Dean's List has one question though - "Which agency do I contact"?
Let's say I'm a 16 year old girl and I'm pregnant - I don't know who to talk to or where to turn. My high school counselor opens this directory and says, "Take your pick". The list before me features:
*Catholic Family Centers Pregnancy Counseling Program
*Family Resource Center (5 locations)
*Family Service of Rochester Teen Parents Program
*Highland Hospital Family Classes
*Project CONECTS
*Charles Settlement House
*Urban League of Rochester Teen Moms Program
*YWCA School Age Parents Program
That's just a sample. There are numerous other agencies listed under this category. I'm confused. You should be too!
What's my point? With all of these agencies located in Rochester, why haven't I heard from any of them? Since these agencies are State funded, is there a review system in place to hold them accountable for their services? Do they provide annual reports and if so, where is that information published? Why are there so many? Rochester isn't that big - would it be better to combine services into individual agencies to better serve our youth? Did you know that there is a truancy center in Rochester? Did you know that center is only averaging 4 students a day? How many school age kids do you see daily on the streets during school hours?
The Dean's List would like to have a forum that would invite individuals from each agency to try and get on one page. This would be a difficult task, but I feel it's necessary for ALL of us to head in the same direction. The police can't do it by themselves.
I would be interested in hearing from the community and leaders from the different service agencies in Rochester. Let me know what you think or educate me if you think I'm headed down the wrong path. Our lives depend on it!
