Baltimore's innovative approach to enforcing youth curfew

It was a warm summer evening in Baltimore, a city notorious for its high crime rates. As dusk settled in, a group of teenagers loitered on a street corner, enjoying the balmy weather. Suddenly, a police cruiser pulled up, and a stern-looking officer stepped out. The teenagers froze, anticipating the worst.

To their surprise, the officer greeted them with a smile and asked their names. As they exchanged pleasantries, the officer explained that they were violating the city's youth curfew, which required anyone under 14 to be off the streets by 9 pm, and those aged 14-16 to be off the streets by 10 pm on weeknights, and by 11 pm on weekends. However, instead of arresting them or issuing a fine, the officer handed them a pamphlet that listed local activities and resources for young people.

This is the new face of Baltimore's juvenile curfew. In an effort to reduce crime and improve outcomes for young people, the city has adopted a novel approach that relies on social workers, rather than police, to enforce the curfew. This approach has yielded promising results, as more young people are being connected with support services, rather than being criminalized.

The benefits of a social work-based approach to curfew enforcement

Traditionally, curfew enforcement has been a police function. However, research has shown that this approach can be counterproductive, as it criminalizes young people and exacerbates existing inequalities. By contrast, a social work-based approach focuses on connecting young people with resources and support services, rather than punishing them.

The benefits of this approach are manifold. First, it reduces the likelihood of young people being pulled into the criminal justice system, which can have long-term consequences for their life chances. By directing young people towards support services, they are more likely to receive the help they need to address underlying issues such as poverty, mental health, and substance abuse.

Second, a social work-based approach can reduce the strain on police resources. Instead of spending time and money on curfew enforcement, police can focus on other crime prevention activities, such as community policing, intelligence gathering, and problem-solving.

Finally, a social work-based approach can build trust between young people and law enforcement. By approaching young people with empathy and respect, social workers can help to demystify the police and reduce feelings of hostility and suspicion.

Quantifiable examples of success

Baltimore's social work-based approach to curfew enforcement has already yielded promising results. For example:

• The number of curfew violations has decreased by over 50% since the program began in 2014
• The number of young people referred to support services has increased by 85% since the program began
• The number of young people arrested for curfew violations has decreased by 80% since the program began

These figures are a testament to the effectiveness of a social work-based approach to curfew enforcement. By connecting young people with support services, the program has not only reduced crime, but also improved outcomes for young people.

Conclusion: Why a social work-based approach makes sense

In conclusion, Baltimore's social work-based approach to curfew enforcement is a model that other cities should consider emulating. By focusing on support services, rather than punishment, the program has reduced crime, built trust between young people and law enforcement, and improved outcomes for young people.

Here are three reasons why a social work-based approach makes sense:

1. It reduces the likelihood of young people being criminalized and enables them to receive the help they need
2. It reduces the strain on police resources, enabling them to focus on other crime prevention activities
3. It builds trust between young people and law enforcement, reducing feelings of hostility and suspicion

By shifting the focus from punishment to support, we can create a safer and more equitable society for all.

References and Hashtags

Here are some useful resources for more information:

• Baltimore Sun article on the social work-based approach to curfew enforcement
• Annie E. Casey Foundation report on using a public health approach to youth curfew policies
• Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention literature review on curfew enforcement

Here are some relevant hashtags:

• #socialwork #curfewenforcement #Baltimore #youthcrime #supportservices

Category: Law and Society