Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton is announcing new efforts aimed at reducing youth violence. The mayor admits the coronavirus pandemic has made intervention steps difficult this past year.
With coronavirus restrictions easing, the mayor says the city is ready to reactivate its outreach to youth through social services, and in parks and community centers. But Gorton said more needs to be done and she’s been speaking with representatives of law enforcement, schools, UK, neighborhood leaders, and the faith community. She said the youth and families focused effort will include mentoring, mental health services, educational and job opportunities.
The new programs are expected to pair with existing methods used to protect youth including investing $100,000 for creation of the juvenile treatment court and training first responders to work more closely with mental health professionals.
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