LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — School lets out in the coming weeks, and some youth employment programs in Central Arkansas have already started for the summer. Some of the options available will help keep young people busy and could possibly reduce youth crime.
"The summer months always bring just more time on the hands of our youth," said Casey Beard, the 6th Judicial District Juvenile Division Chief.
That could sometimes lead them to be a part of crimes they wouldn't normally commit.
"I would definitely say property crimes increase," Beard added.
She also said that according to LRPD, in June of 2023, there were 52 incidents where a child was allegedly responsible for crimes. The number of incident reports went up to 68 in July 2023.
Beard said she hopes to see lower numbers this summer and keeping kids busy could help with that.
"If you work all day, and you're doing anything in a program like that you're using so many mental skills, you're using physical skills, you're tired at the end of the day. And you are actually less likely to go home and want to be in the community or out in the streets at that time," she described.
The City of Little Rock is set to begin its summer youth employment program in June.
"Summertime is a great time to kind of teach young people or our next generation workforce, some meaningful work skills. At the same time, they're given the opportunity to earn money," said Michael Sanders, the Assistant Director of Community Program for Little Rock.
The program starts the first week of June and goes until the end of July.
Sanders said young people ages 16 to 21 will be placed with city departments, small businesses, and local colleges.
Another resource kids have is The Village Place, a Little Rock non-profit that offers jobs for 12 to 18-year-olds.
"They receive a lot of benefits and opportunities to develop alongside people that love and care about them," said Billie Woods, the Village Place Executive Director.
Student Jayson Williams said he looks forward to coming back for year two.
"The people I get to meet, the connections I've made, the friendships that I've gotten to is just to have something to do in the summer. Just have fun," Williams said.
The city's application period is closed to young people but remains open for employers who need workers this summer.
Additionally, the city is hosting a career job fair for ages 15-25 on June 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds.
If interested in attending, please contact Jacque Eaves at jeaves@littlerock.gov or (501) 539-1945.
For more information on Little Rock's summer youth employment program, please click here.