Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Meeting | Dec. 18, 2025

Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Meeting Recap: Addressing Youth Needs and Challenges in Buncombe County

On December 18, 2025, the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council convened a meeting attended by representatives from various organizations including the Sheriff's Office, VIA Health, BJ Day Community Programs, Youth of North Carolina, Buncombe County departments, Asheville Parks and Recreation, Emoja Health Wellness and Justice Collective, UNITE, as well as community members like educators, court personnel, and faith leaders. The meeting focused on reviewing progress, addressing emerging concerns, and planning future initiatives related to juvenile crime prevention in Buncombe County. A quorum was established, allowing the council to conduct official business.

A significant portion of the meeting centered around a report from the Planning Committee, which analyzed data collected through the Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YAZZIE) from July 2024 to June 2025. The report revealed encouraging news: a decrease in both complaints filed and youth referred to the justice system, potentially indicating positive impacts from the School Justice Partnership. Notably, school-based complaints saw a dramatic 71% reduction thanks to this partnership. However, the data also highlighted concerning trends and persistent challenges. While overall complaints decreased, there was an increase in youth reporting mental health concerns and substance use, alongside a worrying rise in instances of youth displaying weapons. A key area of focus moving forward will be addressing persistent racial disparities, as Black youth continue to be disproportionately represented in referrals. The council approved the Planning Committee’s recommendations for priority services, including elevating substance use counseling in funding priorities to address these growing concerns.

Community members shared valuable insights during the meeting, emphasizing several critical points. Concerns were raised about the ease with which young people can access substances like vaping products and cannabis, highlighting a need for preventative measures. Attendees strongly underscored the importance of parental involvement in prevention efforts, advocating for increased education and support for families. The potential of peer-to-peer support programs was also discussed as a valuable tool, alongside the need to address high-risk youth with dual diagnoses (mental health and substance use) who often struggle to access appropriate services.

The council made several key decisions during the meeting, including unanimously approving previously deferred minutes from August, September, and October. They also approved Katie Curtis as the District Attorney designee to replace David Denninger and welcomed Erica Jackson as the newly appointed youth member.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified to guide future efforts. The council will continue analyzing data related to racial disparities, substance use, and mental health to inform targeted interventions. Strategies will be developed to increase parental involvement in prevention efforts and strengthen partnerships with organizations like the expanding Boys & Girls Clubs. The Executive Committee will also review and propose updates to the council's bylaws, while preparations are underway for an upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for Intensive Intervention Services. Hannah will be sending out a completed resource guide and event information to all stakeholders. Residents can also mark their calendars for the Youth Resilience Summit on March 18th, and a meeting with NC Child's Youth Advisory Council will be held in Asheville in January.

This work matters to Buncombe County residents because the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council plays a vital role in ensuring that our young people have access to the support and resources they need to thrive. By addressing systemic issues like racial disparities, expanding mental health services, and engaging families, the council is working to create a safer and more supportive community for all.