WDEF News 12

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We've talked about it for a while. Now, it's practically here. Summer break is just two days away for Hamilton County. But youth advocates aren't taking time off. Many of them have a plan in place to see kids through a long hot summer.

When the temperatures rise and classes break for the summer, it can lead to trouble. We saw an example play out in a Hamilton County courtroom last week. But local groups plan to prevent problems by keeping kids busy.

Gunfire rings out June of 2006 at the Emma Wheeler Homes. The shots apparently reached their intended target... 26 year old Adrian Patton. Now two admitted young gang members must pay the price.

Sgt. James Holloway, Chattanooga Police, "Ultimately you're going to be hurt or you're going to be asked to do something illegal to remain part of the gang."

For homicide investigator Sgt. James Holloway, it's a convincing example for these youngsters of the path not to take.

Sgt. Holloway, "Key witnesses were friends of his so just goes to show you that they'll turn on you."

The middle schoolers spend their evenings getting tutoring, mentoring, counseling and opportunities for playing at the YMCA Community Action Program.

Joe Smith,YCAP Director, "In the purest sense YCAP is early intervention prevention. We want to address the problems that they're having at an early age before they escalate into a real delinquency."

Corren Hall, YCAP Participant, "It's a place where you can come and feel safe and protected."

YCAP kids like Corren Hall can feel safe and protected this summer too.

Charonda Dew, Corren's Mother, "It's given Corren a place to go."

Her mom sees the free program's summer plans as a godsend.

Dew, "She probably would be in the house bored because we're not originally from Chattanooga. We're from Cincinnati, Ohio and so there's not really a whole lot to do around here."

Sgt.Jeri Weary, "We don't want idle minds running around creating mischief ."

Chattanooga police say that's why it's important to make sure your kids stay busy this summer.

Sgt. Weary, "Let them know the dangers that exist out here in this world. I wouldn't say be overbearing but be protective. It's too late after an incident happens so it's better to let them know ahead of time and just know where they are what they're involved in."

She says police will also be keeping an eye out for trouble, just like they do all year long.

Sgt. Weary, "Patrolling the streets, looking for DUI offenders trying to prevent disorders in areas where we know there's a high concentration of crime."

And so will programs like YCAP.

Smith, "There are so many in Chattanooga that do such a great job. They're vitally important to this community in teaching kids the right way to go and stay out of trouble."

And many of those groups have teamed up with the city to provide a chance to stay busy and earn a little money too.

Click here to learn more about that in Part Two of this story. [0]

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