(KMAland) — A Missouri children’s advocate is urging the justice system to focus on healing for youths, noting trauma and broken relationships often drive their actions.
Research shows Missouri has seen fluctuating juvenile delinquency rates, with urban areas such as St. Louis and Springfield facing rising youth crime. The St. Louis Police Department reported a 57% increase in juvenile shooting incidents so far this year compared with 2024.
Alex Lecure, board president for the group Advocating For Children in Crisis and Transition, has fostered numerous at-risk teens. He emphasized people who have been hurt, hurt people…