Brief | September 24, 2020

Afterschool: A Solution to the Prime Time for Juvenile Crime in California

High-quality afterschool programs help lower crime, improve behavior, and increase academic success

The 350 law enforcement leaders across the state of California who are members of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids have long known that the hours immediately after school lets out, when parents are likely not available to supervise, are the prime time for juvenile crime. High-quality afterschool programs not only provide enriching environments that keep kids safe, they also support students’ academic success and social and emotional benefit.

Afterschool programs benefit both kids and entire communities across our state. Unfortunately, not every child has the ability to reap the benefits of high-quality afterschool programming. In California, over 2.4 million students are waiting to enroll in afterschool.

Afterschool programs help reduce crime, improve student behavior, boost academic performance, and increase graduation rates. For our state to take juvenile crime seriously and set students on the right track in life, it is critical that we invest in these high-quality programs.

Afterschool programs allow kids to thrive in school and life by expanding their learning opportunities, and keeping them safe from dangerous influences. As the county’s head prosecutor, I believe the hours after the school day ends are critical to public safety.

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley, President of California District Attorneys Association

States

  1. California