Who is Responsible for Troubled Youth?
The Carnegie Report on Adolescent Development reported that there has been a breakdown of traditional support networks that existed in past generations where a sense of community thrived and accountability was important. The report concluded that, “Young adults from all economic strata now find themselves alone in communities where there are few adults to turn to, and no safe places to go.” Colin Powell once shared that family, church, the public school system, and something he called the “aunt net” saved him from succumbing to the influences of street life. He said, “When I set off to school each morning, I had an aunt in every other house, stationed at the window with eyes peeled, ready to spot the slightest misbehavior on my part and report it back to my parents.” As uncomfortable as it may seem, it is everyone’s responsibility to care for this next generation. Guidelines for Parents and Other Caring Adults It is a challenge for parents to raise, protect, and provide guidance for ch
