The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, along with the Des Lee Collaborative Vision and College of Arts and Sciences, will present the 12th Annual Youth Violence Prevention Conference. Speakers and guests will gather at UMSL’s J.C. Penney Building/Conference Center on April 11, to examine prevention and intervention strategies for responding to youth violence in general and in St. Louis specifically.

Speakers will examine four main topics:

• the role and effect of immigration on crime rates and issues of particular concern to immigrant populations
• the role schools can play in improving safety in school and in the community
• law enforcement perspectives on youth violence and interventions
• the unique effect of gangs on adolescent violence and strategies for responding to gang-related violence

Attendance is beneficial for professionals who work with at-risk youth, probation officers, teachers, counselors, public health workers, youth advocates, law enforcement officers, students and anyone interested in the welfare of children and youth.

Speakers will include:

• Stephanie DiPietro, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at UMSL
• Dan Isom, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at UMSL
• Chris Melde, School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University in East Lansing
• Allison Payne, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Villanova University in Radnor Township, Pa.

The conference will begin at 8 a.m. on April 11, with registration and a continental breakfast. Speakers will address the group throughout the day, with a couple of breaks and lunch. The program will conclude with a social hour starting at 3 p.m. A $35 registration fee includes admittance to the program, 0.75 continuing education units (for full attendance), breakfast and lunch.

For a full schedule of events and to register for the conference, visit the conference website or call 314-516-5655.