Safe & Successful Youth Initiative

The city of Lawrence has established the Our Promise to Youth (OPTY) initiative to combat youth violence within the city; OPTY Initiative seeks to bring services, support, and resources to the youth of the city ages 14 to 24, who are likely to be perpetrators or victims of serious violence and their families

These youth are defined as “proven risk” youth and include:

• Perpetrators of shooting and stabbing violence
• Leaders of street gangs and engaged in violence
• Engaged in violent or anti social behavior
• Repeat offenders released from supervision of the state or county and at risk to re-offend
• Young adults who are victims and may retaliate