Empowering Youth Through Prevention:
A Collaborative Approach to Safety and Education

Kansas City faces one of the highest rates of violent crime in the nation. According to Neighborhood Scout, residents face a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. For the city’s children, these statistics are more than numbers—they represent the everyday reality of walking to school, playing outside, or navigating peer pressure in an increasingly digital world.

In response, this community-based initiative is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: our children deserve better. The program brings together youth, families, and key institutional partners to promote crime prevention, drug education, digital safety, and abuse awareness—equipping young people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to lead safer, healthier lives.

Mission & Vision

The mission of this program is to educate, empower, and protect youth in Kansas City by addressing critical safety issues through early prevention and family engagement. By giving children a voice and helping them understand their role in community change, the program aims to disrupt cycles of violence, reduce victimization, and foster hope.

This work is not done in isolation—it depends on strong partnerships with public safety, legal, and nonprofit leaders, including the Kansas City Police Department, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, and other frontline organizations committed to improving public safety and child well-being.

Key Program Components

1. Youth Education & Empowerment
   Youth participants—referred to as “Scouts”—receive structured, age-appropriate programming that covers:
   • Crime and drug prevention strategies
   • Online safety and digital citizenship
   • Recognizing the signs of abuse or exploitation
   • Conflict resolution and communication skills
   • Peer support and advocacy training

These interactive sessions promote open dialogue and help Scouts understand how to protect themselves and others, while also encouraging youth-led ideas for improving their schools and neighborhoods.

2. Parent and Caregiver Engagement
   Recognizing the critical role families play in prevention, the program offers training and awareness sessions for parents and guardians. These workshops help caregivers:
   • Understand emerging risks like cyberbullying, sextortion, and fentanyl exposure
   • Learn how to talk with their children about crime and safety
   • Identify signs of distress, trauma, or abuse
   • Connect with local support services

The goal is to strengthen the home-school-community connection and provide families with the resources they need to advocate for and protect their children.

3. Cross-Sector Collaboration
   No single organization can solve these challenges alone. This initiative brings together law enforcement, legal professionals, educators, and social service providersto ensure a coordinated, trauma-informed approach. Together, partners provide:
   • Guest speakers and experts for youth sessions
   • Legal education and information on victims’ rights
   • Support for navigating the juvenile justice system, when needed
   • Referrals to counseling, victim advocacy, and community programs

These collaborative efforts create a safety net that extends far beyond the classroom or community center.

Why This Matters

Children growing up in high-violence areas often experience trauma, stress, and disconnection—factors that increase their vulnerability to future harm and reduce their long-term opportunities. But research shows that early intervention, strong mentorship, and family engagement can dramatically reduce youth involvement in crime and improve academic, social, and emotional outcomes.

By helping children understand their rights, recognize dangerous situations, and seek help when needed, this program provides a foundation for long-term safety and success. It also fosters a sense of agency—showing young people that they can be part of the solution.

Looking Ahead

As violence continues to impact Kansas City communities, this initiative is growing its reach—expanding to more schools, hosting citywide prevention events, and deepening engagement with families and community partners. Whether it’s a conversation about online risks or a workshop on conflict de-escalation, every activity is built around a central goal: creating a safer future for our children.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.