A. The Legislature recognizes that the economic cost of crime to the state and communities within this state continues to drain existing resources, and the cost to victims, both economic and psychological, is traumatic and tragic. 1. Recognizing that many adults in the criminal justice system were once delinquents in the juvenile justice system, the Legislature also recognizes that the most effective crime and delinquency prevention programs are programs that not only provide children and youth with positive activities, opportunities and successes, but also meet local community needs and have substantial community involvement and support. 2. It is the belief of the Legislature that the best investment of scarce resources available to combat crime is to counteract the negative social and economic factors that contribute to criminal and delinquent behavior by engaging children and youth, at an early age, in such positive programs and opportunities at the local school and local community level. B. Therefore, for the purpose of reducing the likelihood of later involvement in criminal or delinquent activities, the intent of the Legislature in enacting the Community Youth Development Act is to provide for school, school-related and after-school programs for children and youth and their families who live in at-risk school districts, neighborhoods and communities.
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