YOUTHS AND GUN VIOLENCE: CHICAGO’S CHALLENGE - An epidemic of youth violence in Chicago and the city's intensive new efforts to try to reduce it.

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Nearly 700 children were hit by gunfire in Chicago last year — an average of almost two a day. Much of the violence is attributed to gangs in specific parts of town. That has the mayor, police and school officials looking for ways to control what some call an epidemic of youth violence.  

Chicago's Schools, Police Work To Stem Violence March 21, 2011 Nearly 700 children were hit by gunfire in Chicago last year — an average of almost two a day. Much of the violence is attributed to gangs in specific parts of town. That has the mayor, police and school officials looking for ways to control what some call an epidemic of youth violence.

Getting To Chicago's Boys Before Gangs Do March 22, 2011 Seven years ago, a social worker in Chicago created Becoming a Man, a program that tries to curb violent behavior by offering young boys mentoring through counselors and peer group workshops. A critical element of the program involves students discussing their feelings. Transcript On Morning EditionPlaylist Chicago's Schools, Police Work To Stem Violence

Youths And Gun Violence: Chicago's Challenge Creating Calm In Chicago's Schools March 23, 2011 WBEZAn $18 million effort launched by Chicago Public Schools seeks to counter the culture of violence in homes and neighborhoods with what it's calling a "Culture of Calm." The program has changed everything from conflict resolution to the way students enter the building. Transcript On Morning EditionPlaylist

Chicago's Silent Watchmen Guard School Route March 24, 2011 One of the most dangerous times of day for teenagers is after school. That's especially true in the gang-infested neighborhoods of Chicago, where police and school officials are enlisting military veterans to help protect kids on their way to and from school. Transcript On Morning EditionPlaylist Getting To Chicago's Boys Before Gangs Do Chicago's Schools, Police Work To Stem Violence

In Chicago, Stopping Crime Before It Happens March 25, 2011 Teens growing up in dangerous neighborhoods are more likely to become targets of violence. Members of the CeaseFire program in Chicago aim to reduce shootings and killings by patrolling the streets to intervene on potentially violent situations. Transcript On Morning EditionPlaylist

Teens Exposed To Gun Violence Face Tough Road March 26, 2011 Advocates in Chicago say schools there should address school violence in their curriculum before students are shot or killed. This might help students cope with the violence. "Being shot at but not murdered or being stabbed and not killed happens at a rate 120 times higher than the murder rate among adolescents," one expert says. Transcript On Weekend Edition SaturdayPlaylist

Mentor's Goal: Keeping At-Risk Teens Alive March 27, 2011 In one of the most ambitious mentoring programs in the country, Chicago Public Schools are assigning paid mentors to teens at risk of becoming victims of gun violence. Under the $20 million program, mentors counsel the teenagers in and out of school, help them find jobs and teach them life skills. Transcript On Weekend Edition SundayPlaylist