Fort Smith seeks mentors for juvenile crime prevention program

FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The city of Fort Smith is calling for community members to volunteer as mentors for its "Shield Our Youth" program, a juvenile crime prevention initiative designed to support at-risk youth and their families.

Blake Scott, the program's officer, discussed the importance of adult involvement in the lives of young people, citing personal experience.

"Every adult was at that age where they had to make decisions, and I was a kid who made wrong decisions. Thankfully, my mom stepped in and corrected me, helping shape me into the man I am today," Scott said.

He is continuing his mother's legacy of service to youth in Fort Smith, where she worked for more than two decades in juvenile services before her passing in July 2023.

The "Shield Our Youth" program, which Scott oversees as the only officer dedicated full-time to the initiative, aims to prevent juvenile delinquency through mentorship, guidance, and early intervention. It is made up of several local organizations, including the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD), Restore Hope, and One Hundred Families, to provide resources to youth and their families.

Scott emphasized the importance of building trust with young people.

"When I arrive at a school or a situation where a kid is making poor choices, like vaping, I try to connect with the child and understand the reasons behind their actions," Scott said. "Some may just see a uniform, but I want them to see the person behind it."

The program's core values are encapsulated in its acronym "SHIELD," which stands for Service, Honor, Integrity, Education, Legacy, and Dedication. FSPD Captain Steven Creek said these principles guide the program's efforts and decisions.

Officer Lee McCabe, who oversees the Shield Our Youth program, highlighted the progress made in its first year.

"We've seen some success stories, but we're now focused on growing the program, particularly by recruiting mentors," McCabe said. "Mentors can make a huge difference in these kids' lives, and we need more community members to step up."

To become a mentor, interested individuals can sign up online and complete a background check. Scott encourages young people to seek out successful role models.

"Once a kid enters the court system or faces legal charges, it becomes much harder to turn things around," he said.

The city's call for mentors is a crucial part of Fort Smith's ongoing efforts to prevent juvenile crime and provide at-risk youth with the support they need to make better choices and build brighter futures.