WASHINGTON - October 29 - A bipartisan bill to combat youth violence was passed by the House Subcommittee on Crime today. The bill, H.R. 1064, would fund prevention and intervention programs that are comprehensive, community-centered and evidence-based efforts to combat gangs and youth violence. The Youth Prison, Reduction through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support and Education Act, known as "Youth PROMISE," is sponsored by Representative Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA) and currently has over 230 cosponsors. The bill is expected to be marked up by the full House Judiciary Committee soon.  

The following can be attributed to Jennifer Bellamy, American Civil Liberties Union Legislative Counsel: 

"The Youth PROMISE Act creates proactive prevention strategies for dealing with the complex problem of youth crime, ensuring that our children are not simply funneled into juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. We cannot afford the fiscal and social ramifications of continuing to overzealously lock up our at-risk youth. This bill offers real solutions to real problems facing many American families and it empowers challenged communities to be a part of those solutions. The House Judiciary Committee should pass the Youth PROMISE Act and send it quickly to the floor for a vote."  

To read the ACLU's letter of support for the Youth PROMISE Act, go to: www.aclu.org/crimjustice/juv/38839leg20090226.html