By Cindy Cummings
The proper monitoring and addressing of teenage violence and criminal issues is faltering across California. A report by ABC found that child and teen protection apparatus in Antelope Valley and further afield continues to fail a year after the tragic death of Gabriel Fernandez in Palmdale. Even as child protection in the state falters, there are steps that can be taken by parents and responsible adults to protect their children and teens.
The bullying question
Children and teens come to harm outside of the home with worrying frequency. Bullying has occurred across Antelope Valley and the wider city and can have an impact on the happiness and development of a child – even in their teens. In the absence of protections, parents are increasingly turning to the advice of a bullying attorney when their child has been targeted. This can help in two ways – firstly, attorneys can help if a case is to be brought against the school or the family of the bully. Secondly, they can provide advice and protection for when a child protects themselves; schemes have popped up across California to help bullies protect themselves. One such scheme, located in Studio City, has been highlighted by Spectrum News for its success.
A watchful eye
When harm begins in the home, agencies have failed to respond. ABC7 highlighted this in the cases of Gabriel Fernandez and Anthony Avalos, with a documentary soon to shed new light on these tragic cases. Where social workers are unable to find a gap, parents can be more active in the home. Whether through their own vigilance or through outside help such as a PI, or through smart technology like home cameras, there are now ways for parents to keep a close eye on children and safeguard them from violence and other crime.
Providing safety and purpose
A portion of youth crime arises from a disruptive home life or a lack of activity. Youth centers closing worsens this problem, but in Palmdale, there are options for worried parents. AV Press reports that youth centers are reopening around the city and wider state. Even more crucially, so are emancipation centers, homes for teens who have split from their families by law. By providing a constructive outlet and supportive place to be, these are helping to reduce the incidence rate of teen crime and violence.
In many ways, tackling the problem of child and teen abuse, violence and crime is a matter of vigilance. Having the time and resources to devote to a young person’s life is important in preventing issues from arising. With the help of outside services, Antelope Valley may be seeing an improvement in this regard.
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