At Brookline Teen Outreach (BTO), we are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for young people to learn, grow, and engage in positive activities. However, we recognize the growing concerns about youth behavior in public spaces, and we want to take this opportunity to address how we can work together to support both our community and our youth effectively.
While we serve many teens in the Brookline area, it is important to note that BTO is not responsible for all youth behavior in the neighborhood, especially those who do not participate in our programs or have been asked to leave due to rule violations.
However, we believe in a collaborative approach to addressing these challenges and would like to work with the community to create sustainable solutions.
Proposed Actions for Community Collaboration:
✅ Business & Resident Involvement – We encourage open conversations about youth-friendly spaces, expectations, and interventions. Community forums and partnerships can help local businesses and residents connect with youth in positive ways.
✅ Parent & Caregiver Engagement – We believe that families play a key role in reinforcing respect, responsibility, and positive behavior. We encourage open dialogue between parents and teens while providing access to parenting resources and support.
✅ Law Enforcement & Community Collaboration – Ensuring that law enforcement responses to youth behavior are appropriate, fair, and focused on de-escalation and redirection rather than punishment. Training, diversion programs, and relationship-building initiatives are essential.
✅ More Resources for Youth – BTO cannot serve all youth alone. Additional programming, mentorship, and outreach services are necessary to engage teens beyond our capacity. We urge the community to support expanding youth services and safe spaces.
We invite you to discuss these concerns, explore solutions, and strengthen our partnership in creating a safer and more welcoming Brookline for all. If you have any questions or would like to be part of these efforts, please feel free to reach out. T
hank you for your continued support and investment in our youth.