Juvenile crime statistics are shocking. In 1998, approximately 7751 juvenile crimes were committed in Columbus. There were at least 371 arrests in schools. There were 3048 reported cases of abuse. Gang membership is increasing among young females. Gang membership crosses all boundaries of age, sex, race, academic achievement, and economic status. "A" students and youths from middle class homes join gangs just as easily as youths from the inner city.

Studies indicate that children join gangs because they seek love, a sense of belonging, discipline, identity, recognition, protection or money.

In Franklin County, more than 700 youths living in the inner city, suburbs, and rural areas have been identified as belonging to 125 gangs, threat groups, and hate groups that engage in disruptive, anti-social behaviors. There are hundreds more that maintain a dangerous social affiliation with gangs and younger "wannabes" who will eventually join a gang, if they don't have the proper intervention.

It is our responsibility to instill within our children a sense of pride, self-esteem, self-discipline, self-reliance, and self-respect. We must place a stronger emphasis on spiritual values and the importance of placing God first in our lives. We must teach our children and our families that life and living beings are a cherished gift from God.