The Milwaukee County Committee on Health Equity, Human Needs, and Strategic Planning convened on March 7, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding youth incarceration and community violence. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for innovative approaches to address the challenges faced by youth in the county.

A key focus of the discussion was the newly developed youth dashboard, which tracks the number of youth in care and the associated costs. It was reported that on a single day, the county spent approximately $48,000 to house 21 youth in facilities outside Milwaukee County. This expenditure raises concerns about the long-term financial implications, with estimates suggesting that if these youth remain incarcerated for a month, the cost could exceed $1.5 million.

Committee members emphasized the importance of redirecting these funds towards community programs that promote peace and provide support to families. The discussion underscored the idea that many youth resort to violence as a means of expressing unmet needs. By investing in credible messenger programs and wrap-around services, the committee believes it can help reduce violent tendencies and foster healthier communities.

Recent statistics shared during the meeting indicated a positive trend in youth violence, with a reported 20% reduction in incidents involving victims aged 0 to 17 and a 51% decrease in youth suspects. These figures, provided by the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Police Department, suggest that efforts to address youth violence are beginning to yield results.

The committee also discussed the broader social and emotional costs of violence, noting that the loss of a life can incur costs upwards of $2 million. In contrast, it costs approximately $30,000 to prevent such tragedies. This stark comparison highlights the potential benefits of early intervention and community engagement.

As the meeting concluded, members reiterated the importance of involving families and communities in the rehabilitation process for youth in the corrections system. The committee expressed a commitment to continue working collaboratively to implement effective programs that address the root causes of youth violence and incarceration.

Overall, the meeting served as a platform for discussing strategic planning and health equity initiatives aimed at improving the lives of youth in Milwaukee County, with a clear call to action for ongoing engagement and investment in community-based solutions.