DC considers expanding mentorship for teenagers to curb crime [Video]

WASHINGTON D.C., DC — In an effort to curb youth violence in the District, At-Large Councilmember Robert White has introduced a legislative proposal that would establish a professional mentorship program for kids and teens and increase the mentor pool by including District government employees.

On Thursday, the DC Council Committee on Housing, chaired by Robert White, held a hearing to discuss the Youth Mentorship Through Community Engagement Act of 2024. 

“In 2023, over 2,000 youth were arrested for crimes ranging from assault to homicide, and we saw children as young as 9 years old committing robbery,” White said during his opening statement. 

The mentorship proposal focuses on youth under 18 who have faced adverse childhood experiences. Through the program, the teen would be paired with a paid, professional mentor …