Policy

FIGHT CRIME: INVEST IN KIDS PENNSYLVANIA is a bipartisan, nonprofit, anti-crime organization led by 230 police chiefs, sheriffs, district attorneys, other law enforcement leaders, andvictims of violence. Our mission is to help policymakers and the public understand and act on theknowledge that among our most powerful weapons against crime and violence are public investments shown to keep kids from becoming criminals.

Among the strategies proven to be effective are quality early care and education programs for preschoolers, prevention of child abuse and neglect, after-school programs, and programs that get troubled kids back on track. We are still far from meeting the need in all these areas. Inadequateinvestments in these evidence-based strategies put thousands of children at needless risk of becoming delinquent or violent teens and adult criminals, leaving every Pennsylvanian at needless risk of becoming a victim.

We certainly acknowledge the difficult choices that lie ahead in negotiating and passing the 2009-2010 state budget. But we need to make investments in our most at-risk children and families a priority.

Cutting programs in these areas to save money in the short term is a self-defeating strategy thatproduces false savings because these programs produce documented long- and short-term savings in criminal justice costs, prison construction, welfare, special education, and other social programs.

Adoption of these recommendations in the 2009-2010 state budget outlined in the tabs above will keep us moving in the right direction.

If you would like further information or have any questions about the material in this section, please contact Steve Doster at steve@fightcrime.org.