How can we stop Staten Island youth violence? 6 ideas from borough leaders

By Shaina McLawrence

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As Staten Islanders reel from a series of recent youth fatalities, many of the Island’s elected officials suggested a host of changes to stop the tide of violence.

The suggestions range from added resources in schools to making modifications to the Raise the Age Law.

Here’s a look at six ideas Staten Island elected officials, representative of different levels of government, suggested when contacted by the Advance/SILive.com.

Scarcella-Spanton said she plans to work with District Attorney Michael E. McMahon to determine what crimes are occurring among young people, the frequency, and what they can do to curtail some of the violence.

The senator said she also works closely with Hanks to make sure they are not “missing a single piece,” while navigating this crisis.

Currently, Scarcella-Spanton and Hanks are working together to determine where funding for youth programs should go across Staten Island.

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