Having a safe neighborhood is important for positive child and youth development. Neighborhoods that are unsafe are associated with high rates of infant mortality and low birthweight, juvenile delinquency, high school dropout, child abuse and neglect, and poor motor and social development among pre-school children. Conversely, children who live in highly supportive neighborhoods have positive outcomes such as stronger connections with family, peers and community, and greater participation in out-of-school time programs, volunteering, and religious services. This can be taken even further by understanding that by ensuring highly supportive neighborhoods, strengthening families, and supporting our youth creates safe communities. Therefore we target at risk youth through the provision of juvenile intervention and prevention services designed decrease the risk for anti-social and/or illegal activities and families most at risk for child maltreatment and who may be dealing with mental health and behavioral issues.

Feeling safe can lead to improved self-confidence and an overall positive mental well-being. If a child or adolescent lives in fear, or has so sense of general safety, either in the family or the community settings, he/she may begin to show aggression, get involved in unwanted or inappropriate behaviors, become withdrawn or engage in unhealthy relationships. These relationships include, but are not limited to, joining gangs or an organized group with negative influences, seeking protection from that which causes their anxiety, harm or distress or even a relationship that can become physically aggressive in nature.